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

Who is required to send a report to the attorney representing a child in dependency court after observing signs of abuse?

1. Child’s parent

2. Agency employee

3. Medical provider

4. Law enforcement officer

The correct answer is: Agency employee

The correct choice is that an agency employee is required to send a report to the attorney representing a child in dependency court after observing signs of abuse. Agency employees are often mandated reporters, which means they are legally required to report any suspicions or observations of abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities, including the court and child welfare services. Their role is crucial in safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable children within the system. When agency employees encounter signs of abuse, they are trained to recognize the seriousness of the situation and to act in accordance with legal obligations. This reporting helps to ensure that the child receives the necessary protection and that any investigation into the allegations can proceed efficiently. In contrast, the roles of parents, medical providers, and law enforcement officers differ fundamentally. Parents are typically involved in the case but are not responsible for reporting to the court; their focus may be directed toward resolving family issues. Medical providers have their obligations to report abuse to child protective services but may not have a direct obligation to communicate directly with a child's attorney. Law enforcement officers are responsible for investigating potential criminal activity, which is a different aspect of child protection and may not directly involve dependency court processes. Thus, the requirement for reporting in this context lies specifically with agency employees.