For schools not served by the LAPD, which action is correct when reporting child abuse?

For schools not served by the LAPD, which action is correct when reporting child abuse?

• A. Contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department or the city law enforcement department serving the school.
• B. Contact the LAPD's civilian complaints unit.
• C. File a report with the state Department of Education.
• D. Notify the school's superintendent only.

Answer: (B)

In California, people who are required to report suspected child abuse must do so by contacting the appropriate authorities right away. When a school isn’t served by the LAPD, the correct action is to reach out to the sheriff’s department or the city police department that serves that school. These local law enforcement agencies handle the initial reporting and coordinate with Child Protective Services as needed to ensure the case is investigated and the child is protected. The LAPD’s civilian complaints unit is for complaints about police conduct and is not the pathway for reporting abuse, and the state Department of Education isn’t the proper channel for abuse reporting either. Merely notifying the school superintendent does not fulfill the mandated reporting requirement.

In California, people who are required to report suspected child abuse must do so by contacting the appropriate authorities right away. When a school isn’t served by the LAPD, the correct action is to reach out to the sheriff’s department or the city police department that serves that school. These local law enforcement agencies handle the initial reporting and coordinate with Child Protective Services as needed to ensure the case is investigated and the child is protected. The LAPD’s civilian complaints unit is for complaints about police conduct and is not the pathway for reporting abuse, and the state Department of Education isn’t the proper channel for abuse reporting either. Merely notifying the school superintendent does not fulfill the mandated reporting requirement.