In cases of allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child, to whom must you report and in what sequence?

• A. To Licensing As soon as you become aware of it. To Parents Immediately after ensuring the safety of the child. Not to law enforcement.
• B. To Licensing within 24 hours after you become aware. To Parents within 24 hours after safety. Not to law enforcement.
• C. To Law Enforcement immediately after you become aware. To Licensing within 24 hours. To Parents immediately.
• D. To Parents within 24 hours. To Licensing immediately after safety. Not to law enforcement.

Answer: (A)

When a child is allegedly abused, neglected, or exploited in a licensed setting, the first step is to alert the licensing authority right away so they can initiate an official investigation and coordinate the response. After you’ve taken steps to ensure the child’s safety, you then inform the child’s parents about the allegation and what is being done. Law enforcement is not the required first contact in this sequence, though it would be involved if there were imminent danger or a separate criminal matter. This order centers on triggering the regulatory process first, then communicating with the family once safety is secured.