When questioning a child, you should gather enough information to make an informed report to which agency?

When questioning a child, you should gather enough information to make an informed report to which agency?

• A. Florida Abuse Hotline
• B. National Hotline
• C. Local School Office
• D. Child Welfare Board

Answer: (A)

When you suspect abuse or neglect, the priority is to get the report to the official channel that starts the child protective services process. In Florida, that means the Florida Abuse Hotline. This is the designated avenue for mandated reporters to share what you’ve observed or heard, so investigators can assess safety and intervene if needed. Before contacting the Hotline, gather enough factual details to provide a clear report: the child’s identifying information, where and when the incident occurred, what you observed or were told, any injuries or risk factors, who was involved, and any statements from the child or others, all while keeping the child’s safety paramount. After you have the facts, submit the report to the Florida Abuse Hotline. A national hotline, a local school office, or a child welfare board aren’t the proper channels for initiating the state’s protective services investigation.

When you suspect abuse or neglect, the priority is to get the report to the official channel that starts the child protective services process. In Florida, that means the Florida Abuse Hotline. This is the designated avenue for mandated reporters to share what you’ve observed or heard, so investigators can assess safety and intervene if needed. Before contacting the Hotline, gather enough factual details to provide a clear report: the child’s identifying information, where and when the incident occurred, what you observed or were told, any injuries or risk factors, who was involved, and any statements from the child or others, all while keeping the child’s safety paramount. After you have the facts, submit the report to the Florida Abuse Hotline. A national hotline, a local school office, or a child welfare board aren’t the proper channels for initiating the state’s protective services investigation.