Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act?

1. To maintain records of all children

2. To protect children from abuse and neglect

3. To provide support for parents

4. To promote educational programs on child welfare

The correct answer is: To protect children from abuse and neglect

The primary purpose of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act is to protect children from abuse and neglect. This legislation is designed to mandate the reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities, thereby ensuring the safety and welfare of children. By requiring that professionals and the public report any signs or indications of potential abuse, the Act plays a crucial role in the intervention process to help safeguard vulnerable children. The act emphasizes intervention and support systems, aiming to prevent further harm and facilitate services to children and families in need. This protective intent aligns with the responsibilities of various professionals, such as educators, healthcare providers, and social workers, who are often in positions to detect signs of child maltreatment. Other options, while they may address relevant aspects of child welfare, do not capture the primary focus of the Act. Maintaining records of all children does not directly contribute to their protection, providing support for parents, while valuable in a broader context, is not the core aim of the Act. Promoting educational programs on child welfare, although beneficial, also does not solely reflect the purpose of the Act, which centers more specifically on the identification and reporting of abuse and ensuring the protection of children.