California Law and Ethics Practice Exam

Which of the following is not required to be included in a child abuse report?

1. The child's current address

2. The name of the child’s school

3. The child’s diagnosis, if applicable

4. The child’s age

The correct answer is: The child’s diagnosis, if applicable

The information required in a child abuse report is specified by California law, which aims to gather essential details to ensure the safety and welfare of the child involved. A diagnosis of the child, while potentially relevant in some contexts, is not mandated as part of a child abuse report. This distinction is important because the focus of these reports is on the immediate facts relevant to the abuse or suspected abuse, such as the child's identity and circumstances around the abuse. In contrast, details like the current address, the name of the school, and the child's age serve critical functions in identifying and locating the child in question and establishing their demographic context. Including a diagnosis could involve sensitive health information that is not directly necessary for addressing the immediate concerns of abuse and is often protected under privacy regulations. Therefore, while a diagnosis may be important in a broader assessment of the child's needs, it does not fall under the essential reporting information required for a child abuse report.