Please closely read and select the most correct answers from those provided. A passing
score of 70 % (7 out of 10) is required. Scores beneath 70 % will require a re-test. All of the
questions and answers come from the Department of Children and Families Guide on
“REPORTING ABUSE OF CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS.”
1. The Florida Abuse Hotline will accept a report on a child when: The child is under the age of
eighteen and ________.
A) is a Florida resident, and can be located in Florida, or is temporarily out of the state but
expected to return;
B) has been harmed or is believed to be threatened with harm as defined by statute; by a
parent, legal custodian, caregiver, or other person responsible for the child’s welfare.
C) Is not a Florida resident but can be located in Florida and has been harmed in Florida or is
believed to be threatened with harm in Florida as defined by statute;
D) All Of the above
2. The Florida Department of Children and Families investigates allegations of ________
A) Abuse
B) Abuse and Neglect
C) Abuse, Neglect, and Abandonment
D) out of state charges.
3. For Child reports: _______ occurs when a child is deprived of, or is allowed to be deprived of,
necessary food, clothing, shelter, or medical treatment or a child is permitted to live in an
environment when such deprivation or environment causes the child's physical, mental, or
emotional health to be significantly impaired or to be in danger of being significantly impaired .
A) Abuse
B) Abandonment
C) Neglect
D) Non-therapeutic
4. For Child reports: _____________ means any willful act or threatened act that results in any
physical, mental, or sexual injury or harm that causes or is likely to cause the child's physical,
mental, or emotional health to be significantly impaired. Abuse of a child includes acts or omissions.
Corporal discipline of a child by a parent or legal custodian for disciplinary purposes does not in
itself constitute abuse when it does not result in harm to the child.
A) Abuse
B) Abandonment
C) Neglect
D) Non-therapeutic
5. For Child reports: __________________ means a situation in which the parent or legal custodian of a
child or, in the absence of a parent or legal custodian, the caregiver, while being able, makes no
provision for the child's support and has failed to establish or maintain a substantial and positive
relationship with the child.
A) Abuse
B) Abandonment
C) Neglect
D) Non-therapeutic
6. The department is also responsible, as mandated in Chapter 415, F.S., for providing services to
detect and correct abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults who, because of their age or
disability, may be unable to adequately provide for their own care or protection. In taking action to
prevent further abuse, neglect, and __________, the department must place the fewest possible
restrictions on personal liberty and exercise of constitutional rights. The department’s actions must
be consistent with due process and protection from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Law
enforcement takes the lead in all criminal investigations and prosecution.
A) Aging
B) Exploitation
7. For ADULT reports: _____________ means any willful act or threatened act by a relative, caregiver,
or household member which causes or is likely to cause significant impairment to a vulnerable
adult's physical, mental, or emotional health. Abuse includes acts and omissions
A) Abuse
B) Abandonment
C) Neglect
D) Non-therapeutic
8. For ADULT reports: ______________ may include, but is not limited to:
1. Breaches of fiduciary relationships, such as the misuse of a power of attorney or the abuse of
guardianship duties, resulting in the unauthorized appropriation, sale, or transfer of property;
2. Unauthorized taking of personal assets;
3. Misappropriation, misuse, or transfer of moneys belonging to a vulnerable adult from a
personal or joint account.
4. Intentional or negligent failure to effectively use a vulnerable adult's income and assets for
the necessities required for that person's support and maintenance.
A) Abuse
B) Abandonment
C) Neglect
D) Exploitation
9. Reporters can use the following methods to report abuse except ________.
A) Internet
B) Fax Machine
C) Telephone
D)Registered Mail
10. The following professionals are considered mandated reporters________.
A) Mental Health Professional
B) Paramedic
C) School Teacher
D) All of the above
Thank you for taking the time to read the Guide and answer these questions. If you are in a situation
in which you believe that Abuse, Abandonment, Neglect, or Exploitation is occurring, you must
report it. It is your ethical, professional, and legal obligation to do so. Many mental health
professionals communicate concerns that the act of reporting concerning events or situations will
deteriorate the therapeutic alliance or regard. To alleviate some of this concern, it is good clinical
practice to actively inform the persons you are working with about your status as a mandated
reporter. Use the first session as a starting point for all services. The first session is your
opportunity to advise those you are working with that you are a mandated reporter. Communicate
to your clients that if/ when you become aware of allegations of Abuse, Abandonment, Neglect, or
Exploitation you will report those concerns to authorities.