What information should be included in a report of suspected child abuse?

The inclusion of a child's name, age, location, details of the suspected abuse, and the reporter's contact information in a report of suspected child abuse is vital for several reasons. First, identifying information such as the child's name and age helps professionals accurately assess the situation and determine the appropriate steps for intervention. The child's location is crucial for ensuring that the right authorities can respond swiftly and effectively.

Providing detailed information about the suspected abuse is essential for crafting a comprehensive overview of the situation, enabling professionals to understand the context and severity. Furthermore, including the reporter's contact information allows for follow-up questions or additional information that may emerge as the investigation unfolds. This ensures clear communication and collaboration between various agencies involved in protecting the child.

In contrast, the other options listed contain information that, while potentially useful in some contexts, does not directly pertain to the immediate needs of reporting suspected abuse. School records and social media profiles, family history and medical records, as well as online behavior and interests may provide background context but are not the critical elements necessary for a timely and effective response to suspected child abuse. These elements do not address the immediate duty to report and thus are not elements that should be prioritized in a report of suspected child abuse.