What must a District employee do after reporting suspected child abuse by phone?

• A. Wait for supervisor approval before sending any written report.
• B. They must file and submit the written report within 60 hours of receiving the information.
• C. They must prepare and send a written report within 36 hours of receiving the information.
• D. They must obtain written consent before sending the written report.

Answer: (C)

When a mandated reporter suspects abuse and makes a phone report, the next step is to prepare and send the written report within 36 hours. This window ensures there is formal, timely documentation for the authorities to act on, helping to protect the child and support the investigation.

You don’t need supervisor approval or the child’s written consent before sending the written report, and the policy does not require a 60-hour timeline. The emphasis is on the prompt, written documentation within the 36-hour period.