Where can a child abuse report be submitted according to mandated reporting laws?

• A. Only to the local police department
• B. To any school authority
• C. To a designated child welfare department or law enforcement agency
• D. Only to the child's legal guardian

Answer: (C)

The submission of child abuse reports according to mandated reporting laws must be directed to a designated child welfare department or a law enforcement agency. This is because these entities are specifically charged with the responsibility of investigating and addressing allegations of child abuse and neglect. They have the training, resources, and authority to appropriately manage investigations, protect the child's safety, and take necessary action if abuse is confirmed.

While other individuals or entities may have knowledge of child abuse (such as school authorities or the police), only the designated child welfare departments and law enforcement agencies have the systematic processes in place to handle reported cases officially. Reporting to these authorities ensures that the allegations are taken seriously and addressed in a legal context, as they have a structured response protocol for such incidents.

In contrast, submitting a report to the local police department exclusively or only to a child's legal guardian does not fulfill the requirements of mandated reporting correctly, as they may not have the complete capacity to respond effectively to the situation. Only a designated child welfare department or properly authorized law enforcement agency can provide the necessary intervention and protective services.