What is the meaning of 'reasonably suspects'?

• A. The level of suspicion based on available information that would lead a reasonable person to believe maltreatment may be occurring, triggering a report.
• B. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
• C. A definite confirmation of maltreatment.
• D. A rumor with no evidence.

Answer: (A)

Reasonable suspicion means that, based on what you know and what you have observed, a reasonable person with relevant knowledge would suspect that maltreatment may be occurring. It’s a threshold used to decide whether to report to the designated child protective agency. It does not require proof beyond a doubt or definite confirmation, and it’s not just a rumor with no evidence. If there are observations or information that would lead a reasonable person to believe maltreatment might be happening, that’s enough to trigger a report.