Who must Direct Care Workers report suspected abuse to?

Who must Direct Care Workers report suspected abuse to?

• A. CPS, APS, or law enforcement
• B. Their supervisor
• C. The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
• D. Local health department

Answer: (A)

Direct Care Workers are mandatory reporters. When you suspect abuse or neglect of a child, an older adult, or a person with a disability, you must report it to the appropriate authorities right away—Child Protective Services (CPS) for children, Adult Protective Services (APS) for vulnerable adults, or law enforcement if there is imminent danger or a crime. Telling a supervisor is not a substitute for making a formal report, and agencies like the Division of Developmental Disabilities or a local health department are not the designated channels for mandatory abuse reporting in most cases. Making the proper report ensures a timely investigation and protects the person at risk, with your agency’s procedures guiding how to document and submit the report.

Direct Care Workers are mandatory reporters. When you suspect abuse or neglect of a child, an older adult, or a person with a disability, you must report it to the appropriate authorities right away—Child Protective Services (CPS) for children, Adult Protective Services (APS) for vulnerable adults, or law enforcement if there is imminent danger or a crime. Telling a supervisor is not a substitute for making a formal report, and agencies like the Division of Developmental Disabilities or a local health department are not the designated channels for mandatory abuse reporting in most cases. Making the proper report ensures a timely investigation and protects the person at risk, with your agency’s procedures guiding how to document and submit the report.