What should be done immediately after reporting suspected child abuse?

After reporting suspected child abuse, it is crucial to complete a PFR (Professional File Report) record of the incident. This documentation serves several important purposes. Firstly, it ensures that there is a formal record of the specifics surrounding the concerns you have reported, including details about the child, the nature of the suspicion, and any relevant observations or interactions. This record may be critical for further investigations by child protective services or law enforcement.

Completing the report as soon as possible helps to guarantee that the information is fresh in your mind and accurately reflects the situation. It also contributes to the broader responsibility of ensuring the child’s welfare, as it aids in establishing a clear timeline and providing evidence that may support ongoing protective measures.

In contrast, informing the child's guardian could potentially compromise an investigation if they are implicated in the abuse, while documenting the child's information is a part of the reporting process but is not the immediate next step after the report itself. Providing first aid is essential in situations where the child is physically harmed, but it does not directly address the reporting of abuse, which is the primary focus of the question.