When observing potential child abuse, who is responsible for making the report?

The responsibility for reporting suspected child abuse lies with the person who suspects the abuse. This is because individuals who are trained to observe signs of abuse are often in the best position to recognize the signs and take appropriate action. Reporting by the person who suspects the abuse helps ensure that the information is conveyed accurately and promptly, allowing for swift intervention to protect the child's safety.

The other options do not place the accountability for reporting in the hands of the individual best informed about the situation. While an immediate supervisor may be involved in the process after a report is made, they do not have the direct responsibility to report the suspecting abuse unless they themselves have observed or have been made aware of it. Colleagues of the person who suspects the abuse may provide support or assistance but are not typically designated with the obligation to report. Lastly, the children's aid society is the agency that receives reports and investigates, but they do not have the authority to initiate the report; that responsibility lies with the observer of the suspected abuse.