To which agency should you report abuse if the victim is 17 years or younger?

To which agency should you report abuse if the victim is 17 years or younger?

• A. School Counselor
• B. CPS
• C. Department of Social Services
• D. Adult Protective Services (APS)

Answer: (B)

When a victim is 17 or younger, the situation is considered child abuse and must be reported to the child welfare agency responsible for protecting children. In most places, that agency is Child Protective Services. This agency handles investigations, safety planning, and services for children and families. Adult Protective Services handles abuse of adults 18 and older, so it isn’t the right recipient for minors. A school counselor is a mandatory reporter and may initiate the report, but the actual agency you report to is Child Protective Services. (In some states, the same agency may be called the Department of Social Services, but the designated child-welfare body is the one to contact.)

When a victim is 17 or younger, the situation is considered child abuse and must be reported to the child welfare agency responsible for protecting children. In most places, that agency is Child Protective Services. This agency handles investigations, safety planning, and services for children and families. Adult Protective Services handles abuse of adults 18 and older, so it isn’t the right recipient for minors. A school counselor is a mandatory reporter and may initiate the report, but the actual agency you report to is Child Protective Services. (In some states, the same agency may be called the Department of Social Services, but the designated child-welfare body is the one to contact.)