Regarding mandated reporting for abuse of a minor, which statement is true?

• A. Abuse of a minor does NOT need to be current to call CPS
• B. Abuse must be current to call CPS
• C. CPS cannot be informed without court approval
• D. Abuse can only be reported by law enforcement

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that mandated reporters are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect whenever there is reasonable cause to believe it has occurred or could occur, not only if the abuse is happening right now. You report to Child Protective Services (CPS) to trigger a safety assessment, even if the abuse is in the past, as long as there is concern the child may still be at risk. Reports are made directly to CPS and don’t require court approval, and law enforcement is not the only entity that can receive a report.

So the statement that abuse does not need to be current to call CPS is true because the obligation focuses on reasonable suspicion and child safety, not on whether the harm is occurring at this exact moment. The other options are incorrect because they imply current abuse is required, require court authorization, or limit reporting to law enforcement.