Who may receive a report of suspected child abuse?

• A. The Department of Justice
• B. The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) or the local law enforcement department
• C. The Department of Social Services (DSS)
• D. The California Department of Education

Answer: (B)

The main idea is who is designated to receive and start an investigation for suspected child abuse. In California, that role belongs to the local child protective services agency, which for Los Angeles is the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), or to local law enforcement. These bodies are the authorized points of contact for reporting suspected abuse or neglect and for initiating investigations.

Why this is the best fit: DCFS is specifically set up to intake reports of child abuse and neglect and to coordinate protective services. Local law enforcement handles reports that require immediate police involvement or criminal investigation. The other options don’t fit because the Department of Justice handles broader criminal matters at the state or federal level, not child protective services intake; the Department of Social Services is not the current name for California’s child protective agency; and the California Department of Education doesn’t supervise or receive abuse reports (though schools are mandated reporters and will file referrals with DCFS).