What must a practitioner do upon suspecting child abuse in California?

In California, when a practitioner suspects child abuse, the law requires that they report their suspicions to a child protection agency. This is crucial because child protection agencies are specifically designated to handle such reports and investigate potential abuse cases. These agencies are equipped with the necessary resources and training to assess the safety of children and provide support and intervention when needed.

The reporting process is designed to be immediate, highlighting the urgency in protecting the welfare of the child. Practitioners must make these reports promptly, often within a specific timeframe, to ensure that appropriate action can be taken to safeguard the child's health and safety.

In contrast, reporting directly to the police or consulting a lawyer may not fulfill the legal obligations that health practitioners have regarding suspected child abuse. Informing the parents first could potentially jeopardize the child’s safety and interfere with any investigations that may need to occur. The focus is always on the child's well-being, making it essential to follow the protocol of reporting to the designated child protection agency immediately.