Short Answer 
The first step for a mandated reporter is to assess the child’s absence from school by verifying outreach efforts and documenting them. If the absence remains unexplained, they must report it to the State Central Register for potential neglect and consider further interventions while prioritizing sensitivity and privacy.
Step 1: Assess the Situation
As a mandated reporter, the first step is to carefully assess the child’s absence from school. You should verify if the school has initiated outreach efforts to the family, including any communication attempts that have been made. Documenting these outreach efforts is crucial and could include:
- Documenting phone calls and letters sent to the family.
- Involving school counselors or social workers.
- Assessing if there are any underlying issues affecting attendance.
Step 2: Report to the SCR
If the child’s absence remains unexplained and the family is unresponsive, it’s critical to make a report to the State Central Register (SCR) for potential educational neglect. This action reflects your legal obligation as a mandated reporter to report suspicions of child neglect or abuse stemming from ongoing absence. Ensure that the report includes all documented attempts to engage the family and any relevant context that may have been discovered.
Step 3: Consider Additional Interventions
After making the report to the SCR, evaluate if there are further interventions that the school can pursue. This could involve reaching out to the child’s friends to gain better insight into the situation. However, any discussion regarding the child should be conducted with sensitivity and respect for privacy. While considering all actions taken, remember that calling the police should only occur when there is an imminent safety concern, typically after consultation with school authorities.