When child abuse is suspected, the social worker must:

• A. Discuss with the child first to verify concerns
• B. Report to authorities immediately
• C. Document concerns and monitor
• D. Wait for the child's parents to report

Answer: (B)

Mandatory reporting obligations require social workers to report suspected child abuse to the appropriate authorities promptly to safeguard the child’s safety and trigger a protective investigation. Waiting to verify concerns by discussing with the child can put the child at greater risk, contaminate any investigation, and is not the worker’s role for verification. While documenting concerns and continuing to monitor is important, it does not fulfill the legal duty to report and protect in a timely manner. It is not appropriate to wait for parents to report, since professionals have a responsibility to act when abuse is suspected, even if the family does not report it themselves. Reporting immediately enables authorities to assess risk, determine safety, and intervene as needed.