California PTA Laws Practice Exam

What should be done immediately upon suspicion of child abuse?

1. Report it within one week

2. Discuss with a supervisor

3. Initiate a background check

4. Make a telephone call to report

The correct answer is: Make a telephone call to report

When there is a suspicion of child abuse, the most critical course of action is to make a telephone call to report the suspicion to the appropriate authorities immediately. California law mandates that suspected child abuse must be reported as soon as possible, and in most cases, this means making a phone call to a designated child protection agency or law enforcement. Prompt reporting is essential because it allows professionals trained in child protection to begin an investigation and take necessary actions to ensure the child's safety. Delaying the report can put the child at further risk and impede the ability of authorities to intervene effectively. Other options, such as discussing the situation with a supervisor or conducting a background check, may still be important steps in certain contexts but are not prioritized over the immediate obligation to report. Thus, the telephone call to report is the correct and necessary action upon suspicion of child abuse.