Which of the following is true about reporting child abuse?

• A. Failure to report by a mandated reporter is a Class 'A' misdemeanor
• B. Failure to report is a civil penalty
• C. There is no penalty for failure to report
• D. Only police can report abuse

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that certain professionals have a legal duty to report suspected child abuse, and failing to do so carries real consequences. When a mandated reporter does not report, the law treats that as a criminal offense, specifically a Class A misdemeanor. That means there can be jail time and fines, underscoring how seriously this duty is taken to protect children.

This isn’t a civil penalty, and it isn’t a situation with no penalty. It also isn’t true that only police can report abuse—the law requires mandated reporters (like teachers and other school personnel) to report to the proper child protective authorities, though anyone can report abuse as well.