A mandated report of child abuse requires which of the following actions by law enforcement?

In cases of mandated reporting of child abuse, law enforcement has specific responsibilities to ensure the safety and well-being of the child involved. Making a verbal report to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Central Intake is a critical step, as it initiates the investigative process and allows trained professionals to assess the situation. Additionally, thoroughly investigating and documenting the case is essential for building a solid foundation for any further action, whether that involves ensuring the child's safety or pursuing legal action against the alleged perpetrator.

In this context, both the verbal report and the thorough investigation are fundamental duties of law enforcement when they receive a report of child abuse. These actions ensure that the case is handled appropriately and that all necessary information is gathered to protect the child.

While submitting a written report to the District Attorney’s Office is an important function of law enforcement, it is not a requirement of the initial mandated reporting process. This step typically occurs later in the judicial process, after the immediate reporting and investigation have taken place. Therefore, the correct answer encompasses the necessary immediate actions required of law enforcement in response to a report of child abuse.