FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

When a teacher suspects a child is being abused based on visible bruises, they are legally required to contact which entity?

1. Local law enforcement

2. Child protective services

3. Abuse hotline

4. The school principal

The correct answer is: Abuse hotline

In situations where a teacher suspects a child is being abused, they are legally obligated to report the suspicion, and the appropriate entity to contact in many jurisdictions is Child Protective Services (CPS). The primary function of CPS is to investigate allegations of child abuse and neglect and to ensure the safety and well-being of children. When teachers or school personnel observe signs of potential abuse, such as visible bruises, they must take immediate action to protect the child. Reporting to CPS allows trained professionals to handle the situation appropriately, guiding the next steps to ensure the child's safety. It's crucial that teachers understand their role in this process, as they are often mandated reporters, meaning they are legally required to report any reasonable suspicions of abuse. While contacting local law enforcement or an abuse hotline might also be part of the reporting process, the initial and primary responsibility typically lies with Child Protective Services, which specializes in managing these sensitive cases. The school principal may need to be informed as part of school policy, but the crucial action of reporting the suspected abuse must go directly to CPS.