When a child dies while in your care, which reporting timelines apply to Licensing/Parents and to Law Enforcement?

• A. To Licensing and to Parents: As soon as possible, but no later than 2 hours after the child's death. To Law Enforcement: Immediately, but no later than 1 hour after the child's death.
• B. To Licensing: Immediately; To Parents: Within 24 hours; To Law Enforcement: Within 24 hours.
• C. To Law Enforcement: Within 24 hours; To Licensing: Within 2 days; To Parents: Immediately.
• D. To Parents: Within 24 hours; To Licensing: 1 week; To Law Enforcement: Immediately.

Answer: (A)

When a child dies in your care, reporting to the right parties must be prompt and follow distinct timeframes. Law enforcement must be notified immediately, within one hour of learning of the death. Licensing and the child’s parents or guardians must be informed as soon as possible, with a hard deadline of no more than two hours after the death. This structure ensures that an investigation can start right away and licensing oversight is maintained, while families are informed promptly. Timelines that delay law enforcement beyond an hour or push licensing/parents notifications to 24 hours or more don’t meet the required safety and regulatory response, which is why the given timing is correct.