What must the mandated reporter do if the agency instructs to handle administratively?

• A. The report should be kept confidential.
• B. No follow-up is needed.
• C. The agency will handle all actions.
• D. The mandated reporter must still complete and submit the written report.

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that reporting duties are a legal requirement that doesn’t disappear when an agency says to handle something administratively. A mandated reporter must still complete and submit the written report. The initial alert to the agency (often by phone) is to notify them immediately, but the written report, documenting the suspected abuse or neglect, is a separate, mandatory step that creates an official record and ensures appropriate action is tracked. The agency may choose to pursue the matter administratively, but that choice does not relieve the reporter of the obligation to file the written report. This helps protect the child and keeps the reporter in compliance with the law.