Who should be notified if a health practitioner suspects a child has been subjected to abuse?

When a health practitioner suspects that a child has been subjected to abuse, the primary responsibility is to report this concern to the local department of social services or the appropriate law enforcement agency. This reporting obligation is grounded in legal statutes that aim to protect vulnerable children. The local department is tasked with investigating allegations of abuse and taking necessary steps to ensure the safety and welfare of the child.

By notifying the designated authorities, practitioners fulfill their legal and ethical duties to protect the child and to prevent further harm. This process also involves the trained personnel who are equipped to handle such sensitive situations, ensuring that the child's interests are prioritized in a safe and supportive manner.

While informing the child's family, school administration, or advocacy groups might seem relevant in some contexts, these actions do not replace the essential and mandatory requirement to report to the appropriate authorities, especially considering that direct intervention by family or other parties might complicate the investigation or put the child at greater risk.