What is the first step in reporting suspected child abuse?

• A. Notify school principal.
• B. Make a telephone and written report to an appropriate child protective agency.
• C. Contact LASPD.
• D. Wait for parental consent.

Answer: (B)

The first step is to report suspected abuse to the appropriate child protective agency by making a telephone report and then submitting a written report. Mandated reporters are required to alert the agency immediately so a trained professional can assess danger and begin an investigation, rather than waiting for parental consent or trying to handle it internally. The written report follows the initial phone report to create an official record for the case. Other actions, like notifying a principal or contacting campus security, do not replace this formal referral to the protective agency, and delaying the report is not appropriate.