What must an employee do if they suspect child abuse?

• A. Make a telephone report to a child protective agency and send a written report within 36 hours.
• B. Write a report within 7 days.
• C. Notify a coworker and discuss with them.
• D. File a report with the principal only.

Answer: (A)

If you suspect child abuse, you are a mandated reporter and must act quickly to involve the proper authorities. The required steps are to call the child protective agency (or local police if directed) by telephone right away and then submit a written report within 36 hours. This fast, formal reporting ensures the child can be protected promptly and that there is an official record for investigative purposes.

Delaying the report, such as writing it only within seven days, fails to meet the legal obligation for prompt reporting. Simply notifying a coworker or filing internally with the principal does not fulfill the requirement to involve the child protective services or law enforcement.