What is the first step a mandated reporter should take after a child discloses abuse?

When a child discloses abuse, the first step a mandated reporter should take is to avoid investigating further on their own. This is crucial because mandated reporters are not trained investigators, and taking it upon themselves to look deeper can inadvertently compromise the investigation process. The primary responsibility of a mandated reporter is to report the disclosure to the appropriate authorities, such as child protective services or law enforcement. This ensures that trained professionals can handle the situation appropriately and that the safety and well-being of the child are prioritized.

Allowing professionals to conduct the investigation also helps protect the integrity of the child's disclosure and ensures that proper procedures are followed. It also helps to prevent the reporter from unintentionally causing further emotional harm to the child by probing for more information or details that the child may not be ready to share. Thus, refraining from conducting any personal investigations aligns with the guidelines set forth for mandated reporters to ensure that they act in the best interests of the child and the legal process.