Reporting maltreatment is usually complete after making your verbal report.

Reporting maltreatment is not considered complete after making a verbal report because there are usually additional steps required to ensure proper documentation and follow-up on the report. When maltreatment is suspected or observed, it is important to not only communicate your concerns verbally to the appropriate authorities but also to provide a detailed written report or documentation. This written report ensures that there is a formal record of the incident, including specifics such as the nature of the maltreatment, the individuals involved, and any observations made.

Additionally, reporting protocols may require that the information be shared with other parties, such as supervisors or regulatory agencies, to ensure that a thorough investigation can take place. The process of reporting is typically ongoing, as it may involve further communication with authorities and updates on the situation. Therefore, simply making a verbal report does not fulfill all the responsibilities of reporting maltreatment effectively.