What are indicators of suspected abuse or neglect, and what steps should be taken?

• A. Unexplained injuries, inconsistent explanations, poor hygiene, signs of malnutrition or neglect; promptly report to child protective services and document observations
• B. Consistent explanations for injuries and good hygiene
• C. Adequate hygiene and nutrition
• D. Wait for a medical evaluation before reporting

Answer: (A)

Recognizing signs of potential abuse or neglect and knowing how to respond is about protecting the child. Indicators include unexplained injuries, explanations that don’t match what happened, consistently poor hygiene, and signs of malnutrition or neglect. When you notice these, promptly report to child protective services or the relevant agency and document your observations in a clear, objective way. This swift reporting and careful record-keeping help safeguard the child and provide investigators with the information they need to assess risk and plan support. Explanations that are consistent, good hygiene, and delaying reporting until a medical evaluation do not reflect a protective response and can leave the child at risk.