What must you do when child maltreatment is reported?

• A. Law enforcement must respond immediately
• B. Wait for additional evidence
• C. Refer to social services without police involvement
• D. Only document for records

Answer: (A)

When a report of child maltreatment comes in, the immediate priority is the child’s safety, so law enforcement must respond immediately. You go to the scene or contact the family to assess risk, secure the child’s safety, and begin an investigation. This involves preserving the scene and evidence, interviewing the child and involved parties as appropriate, and coordinating with the relevant child protective services agency as required by state law. Delaying action or waiting for more evidence can risk further harm, so an immediate, active response is required. Merely documenting the report or referring to social services without police involvement does not meet the responsibility in these situations.