What is the reporting requirement for the unauthorized absence of a child under 6 years old?

• A. Report to Law Enforcement immediately. Report to Licensing and Parents Within 2 hours of notifying law enforcement.
• B. Report to Licensing within 2 hours. Report to Law Enforcement within 24 hours. Report to Parents within 24 hours.
• C. Report to Parents immediately. Licensing within 1 hour. Law Enforcement after 24 hours.
• D. Report to Law Enforcement within 1 week. Licensing never. Parents never.

Answer: (A)

This item tests the required timing and notification sequence when a child under 6 is unauthorizedly absent. The correct approach is to contact law enforcement immediately to start a rapid search and ensure safety for a very young child. After law enforcement is notified, the agency must inform the licensing authority and the child’s parents within 2 hours of that notification. This quickly coordinates regulatory oversight and parental awareness, which is critical for reunification and safeguarding the child.

The other options delay law enforcement, set longer or inconsistent timeframes, or omit informing the licensing agency or parents, all of which could hinder a timely response and put the child at greater risk.