In the standard process after a report is filed, which step directly follows the intake phase?

• A. Court involvement.
• B. Service provision.
• C. Safety planning.
• D. Investigation or assessment.

Answer: (D)

The immediate next step after intake is an investigation or assessment. After intake, the goal is to gather facts, assess the child’s safety, and determine the level of risk and whether further action is needed. This involves interviewing involved parties, reviewing records, and evaluating whether the report indicates abuse or neglect and what the appropriate response should be. Only after this investigation/assessment are actions like court involvement or service provision considered. Safety planning can occur if immediate danger is identified, but it is part of the ongoing assessment and management during the investigation phase rather than a separate early step.