Which statement best describes mandatory reporting obligations for suspected child abuse or elder abuse?

• A. Notify the family first and obtain consent before reporting.
• B. Disclose information to unrelated parties to seek support.
• C. Report to appropriate protective services; provide known facts; preserve confidentiality as required; cooperate with investigators.
• D. Document observations and wait for instructions from a supervisor before reporting.

Answer: (C)

Mandatory reporting requires promptly informing the appropriate protective services about suspected child or elder abuse. You should share the facts you know, avoid speculation, and preserve confidentiality as allowed by law. You also need to cooperate with investigators as they assess risk and gather information. Consent from the family is not required to initiate the report, and seeking information from unrelated parties or delaying the report by waiting for instructions can put someone at risk and violate statutes. This approach protects the vulnerable and complies with statutory duties.