What is the role of the Los Angeles School Police Department (LASPD) in child abuse reporting?

• A. LASPD handles reports exclusively; they substitute for child protective services.
• B. LASPD can be contacted for reporting suspected child abuse, but does not substitute for reporting to a child protective agency.
• C. LASPD must be contacted only after a report has been filed with CPS.
• D. LASPD handles only criminal investigations, not reporting.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that reporting suspected child abuse is handled through the child protective services system, not by the police department alone. The Los Angeles School Police Department can be contacted to report suspected abuse, which means you can reach them to file information or get guidance, but they do not replace or substitute the process of reporting to a child protective agency. CPS (the local child protective services agency) is the agency responsible for evaluating the safety of the child, coordinating services, and making decisions about child welfare. LASPD can assist with safety, emergencies, and investigations, and they may work with CPS as part of a coordinated response, but the official duty to report and the welfare assessment rests with CPS.

This is why the option stating that LASPD can be contacted for reporting, but does not substitute for reporting to a child protective agency, is the best choice. It reflects the proper roles: report to CPS to initiate welfare oversight, with LASPD available as a reporting resource and as part of the broader response if law enforcement involvement is appropriate. The other statements imply that LASPD either replaces CPS, requires a CPS report first, or limits LASPD to criminal investigations only, which doesn’t align with the standard reporting pathway and collaboration between school safety and child protection services.