What is the impact of false reporting, and what should reporters do if unsure?

• A. False reporting can harm families; reporters should ensure reasonable suspicion and accuracy, and seek guidance if uncertain.
• B. False reporting has no impact.
• C. Report anyway regardless of uncertainty.
• D. Never report if unsure.

Answer: (A)

False reporting can harm families and undermine trust in protective services. When reporting, the goal is to act on credible information and observations that support a reasonable suspicion of maltreatment; making unsubstantiated claims can disrupt homes, stigmatize people, and waste essential resources. If you’re unsure whether maltreatment has occurred, don’t guess. Follow your agency’s guidelines, document what you’ve observed, and seek guidance from a supervisor or the appropriate child welfare authority before proceeding. This approach keeps reporting grounded in accuracy and child safety, and if there’s any doubt, the right step is to seek guidance.