What statement is true about reporting child abuse or maltreatment?

• A. It is optional to report
• B. Failure to report is a misdemeanor
• C. Only law enforcement can report
• D. There is no penalty for failing to report

Answer: (B)

The main concept here is that reporting suspected child abuse is a legal duty for certain professionals, and there are penalties for not doing so. Mandated reporters—such as teachers, doctors, social workers, and other frontline professionals—must report suspected abuse to the appropriate agency, not leave it up to them to decide. This duty is taken seriously because timely reporting helps protect children from harm.

The statement that failing to report can be a misdemeanor captures a common consequence of not fulfilling this obligation. In many places, not reporting when you know or should know about abuse is itself illegal and can lead to criminal charges, typically classified as a misdemeanor. This emphasizes why reporting isn’t optional: there are real legal repercussions for neglecting the duty.

It’s also important to recognize that reporting isn’t limited to law enforcement. A range of professionals and designated child welfare agencies can file reports, depending on the jurisdiction. And while there are penalties for failing to report, there are usually protections for reporters acting in good faith to encourage people to come forward without fear of liability for making a report in good faith.