Mandated reporters are required by law to:

• A. Report reasonable suspicion of child maltreatment
• B. Advise the parent of safety resources
• C. Document concerns without reporting
• D. Notify school administration only

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that mandated reporters must act when they have reasonable suspicion of child maltreatment. If you’re in a role covered by the law—such as a teacher, doctor, or social worker—and you observe signs of abuse or you hear a valid disclosure from a child, you are legally required to report that suspicion to the designated child protective services or appropriate authority. You don’t need to have absolute proof; reasonable suspicion is enough to trigger the report, because the goal is to protect the child and get the right investigations and supports in motion promptly.

Reporting promptly helps ensure the child’s safety and allows investigators to determine what happened and what services are needed. It’s also important to document what you observed in a factual, non-judgmental manner and to maintain confidentiality within the reporting process.

Advising safety resources to the family, documenting concerns without reporting, or notifying only school administration do not meet the legal obligation of a mandated reporter and can leave the child at risk.