Which statement correctly describes who must report suspected child abuse?

Which statement correctly describes who must report suspected child abuse?

• A. Only school administrators are required to report.
• B. Only licensed psychologists are required to report.
• C. District employees are mandated reporters and must report to a child protective agency.
• D. Parents of students must report to the district.

Answer: (C)

In this situation, the key idea is who is legally required to report suspected child abuse. District employees—any staff member who works with students, not just administrators or a single professional group—are considered mandated reporters. They must report suspected abuse or neglect to the local child protective agency (such as CPS) so the situation can be investigated and the child’s safety can be protected. The report is made to the child protective agency, not to the district itself, and it applies broadly to all district personnel, not limited to one role like administrators or licensed psychologists. Parents aren’t mandated reporters to the district; they would report to the appropriate protective or law enforcement authorities if needed. This is why the correct statement identifies district employees as mandated reporters who must notify the child protective agency.

In this situation, the key idea is who is legally required to report suspected child abuse. District employees—any staff member who works with students, not just administrators or a single professional group—are considered mandated reporters. They must report suspected abuse or neglect to the local child protective agency (such as CPS) so the situation can be investigated and the child’s safety can be protected. The report is made to the child protective agency, not to the district itself, and it applies broadly to all district personnel, not limited to one role like administrators or licensed psychologists. Parents aren’t mandated reporters to the district; they would report to the appropriate protective or law enforcement authorities if needed. This is why the correct statement identifies district employees as mandated reporters who must notify the child protective agency.