What is the required action for reporting child abuse that occurs out of state?

The required action for reporting child abuse that occurs out of state is correctly identified as that it must be reported in California, regardless of where it occurs. California law mandates that if a licensed therapist, such as a Marriage and Family Therapist, becomes aware of suspected child abuse, they are obligated to report it to the appropriate authorities. This obligation applies irrespective of the location where the abuse took place.

This legal requirement is grounded in the principle that the safety and well-being of the child is paramount. The idea is that child abuse should be reported to ensure that necessary actions can be taken to protect the child, no matter the geographical context. This ensures a uniform standard of care and protection for children throughout the state, as therapists are expected to act in the best interests of their clients.

The other choices reflect misunderstandings about the reporting obligations. For instance, the location of the victim does not influence the duty to report when the person is a mandated reporter. Additionally, reporting is focused on suspected abuse, not merely the identity of the abuser, and is required for all minors, not just those under 18 years old. Thus, the correct understanding emphasizes the need for action to be taken regardless of where the abuse occurred, upholding the commitment to