North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What is the first step for law enforcement if they suspect juvenile neglect?

1. Contact the child’s school

2. Investigate further before taking action

3. Notify the juvenile's parents

4. Report to social services

The correct answer is: Report to social services

When law enforcement suspects juvenile neglect, the appropriate first step is to report the situation to social services. This action is crucial because social services are specifically trained and designated to handle cases of child neglect and abuse. They have the resources and expertise to conduct a more in-depth investigation into the home environment and assess the child’s well-being. The involvement of social services is essential as they can evaluate the circumstances surrounding the child's living situation and determine whether intervention is necessary to ensure the child's safety. They also coordinate with law enforcement and other agencies to provide support and assistance to the family when needed. While contacting the child's school could provide additional context, and notifying the parents could be a part of the process later on, the immediate action of reporting to social services ensures that the situation is handled by the appropriate authorities trained to address such serious issues. Social service agencies have the authority to conduct welfare checks and develop safety plans for the child, making this the most critical step in responding to suspected juvenile neglect.