What is the role of mandated reporters in child welfare?

• A. Report only after a formal investigation is completed.
• B. Legally required to report suspected abuse or neglect to authorities.
• C. Report only to family members.
• D. Are responsible for evaluating the credibility of reports.

Answer: (B)

Mandated reporters have a legal obligation to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the proper authorities. When someone in a mandated role notices signs or has reasonable suspicion, they must file a report with the designated agency (such as the child protection hotline) promptly and with as much detail as possible. Their job is to trigger protection and investigation, not to investigate or verify the abuse themselves. They should not report only after a formal investigation, and they do not report to family members or determine credibility—those tasks belong to the investigators at the authorities.