What should a mandated reporter do immediately upon suspecting child abuse or neglect?

When a mandated reporter suspects child abuse or neglect, the most critical and immediate action is to call the hotline to report their concerns. This is essential because it ensures that the proper authorities, trained to handle such sensitive situations, can intervene if necessary to protect the child's safety. A hotline report initiates a quick response from child protection services, allowing for assessment and investigation of the child's safety.

Acting swiftly by reporting helps ensure that the situation is addressed appropriately without delay, as the welfare of the child is the top priority. Additionally, calling the hotline guarantees that the report is made to professionals who have the resources and authority to take further action to protect the child, whereas contacting the parents or consulting with peers might inadvertently jeopardize the child's safety or allow critical time to pass before an appropriate response can be initiated.