What did Lily's teacher and the school nurse decide to do?

• A. Call Lily's mother and father
• B. Do nothing
• C. Report what they learned to the principal
• D. Contact Texas DFPS online to file a report

Answer: (D)

Educators who work with children are mandated reporters. When they suspect abuse or neglect, their responsibility is to report it to the state's child protective services as soon as possible, usually by filing a report with the official online system. In Texas, that means DFPS. Filing a report online starts an official protection process to check the child’s safety and begin an investigation. That’s why this option is the best: it follows the legal duty and the protective purpose behind mandated reporting.

Calling Lily’s parents could put the child at risk or contaminate the investigation; doing nothing would violate their duty to protect. Informing the principal alone isn’t enough to trigger the formal protective process. So, reporting to Texas DFPS online aligns with both the obligation and the goal of safeguarding Lily.