What does the term "screening" refer to in the context of child abuse reports?

In the context of child abuse reports, "screening" specifically refers to the process of determining whether a report meets the criteria for further investigation. This stage is essential in ensuring that all allegations of child abuse are assessed appropriately to identify those that require immediate attention and intervention.

During screening, professionals review the information provided in a report to decide if there are sufficient grounds to initiate an investigation based on the severity and credibility of the claims made. This step acts as a crucial filter that prioritizes cases where a child may be in immediate danger or where abuse may have occurred, allowing for an efficient allocation of resources to handle serious situations.

While the other options pertain to relevant aspects of child welfare—such as assessing a child's health, creating support plans, or gathering evidence for prosecution—these activities occur after screening has confirmed that the situation warrants further investigation. Thus, the process of screening itself is foundational to the child protection system, ensuring that only the most serious cases are escalated for deeper inquiry and intervention.