Colorado POST Practice Exam

Which of the following individuals is typically NOT required to report child abuse?

1. School teachers

2. Child care personnel

3. Citizens generally

4. Physicians

The correct answer is: Citizens generally

Individuals generally are not mandated reporters of child abuse, meaning they are not legally required to report suspected cases of abuse. Mandated reporters, such as school teachers, child care personnel, and physicians, have specific legal obligations to report any reasonable suspicions of child abuse. This is due to the trusted positions they hold and their proximity to children, which equips them with the ability to identify signs of abuse more effectively. In contrast, while citizens can certainly report suspected abuse as a moral responsibility and might choose to do so, there is no legal obligation requiring them to act in the same way as mandated reporters. The emphasis on mandated reporters stems from the need to protect vulnerable children and ensure that those with professional expertise and authority take action when they observe or suspect abuse.