Which statement about consensual acts involving a minor is accurate?

• A. They are always reportable.
• B. They are never reportable.
• C. They must be reported if the minor is under 14 and the partner is 14 or older, or if the minor is under 16 and the partner is 18 or older.
• D. They require parental consent to report.

Answer: (C)

Consensual acts involving a minor can still meet criteria for reporting when the age of the minor and the age of the partner create a risk of exploitation or statutory violation. The policy recognizes that younger children and early teens are especially vulnerable, so certain age combinations require a report to protect the minor.

Specifically, if the minor is under 14, any sexual activity with someone who is 14 or older is considered reportable. Similarly, if the minor is under 16 and the partner is 18 or older, that situation also meets the reporting threshold. These rules reflect concerns about exploitation by adults or significantly older individuals, even when the act may be described as consensual.

Parental consent is not the deciding factor for reporting; mandated reporters must report when these age-based criteria are met, regardless of the minor’s or parent’s wishes. The statements that claim “always reportable,” “never reportable,” or that reporting requires parental consent, do not align with how these duties are applied in practice.