Under the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act, when must a counselor report suspicions of abuse?

The correct answer emphasizes the critical timeframe mandated by the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act for reporting suspicions of abuse. Counselors are required to report any suspicions of abuse within 24-72 hours of their initial identification of signs or disclosures during interactions with students. This timeframe is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of the child, allowing for timely investigations and support services to be mobilized.

Prompt reporting is essential because abuse situations can escalate or worsen if not addressed quickly. The law recognizes the unique position of counselors as trusted adults who may be privy to such disclosures, thus placing a strong responsibility on them to act swiftly to protect vulnerable children.

While other options present different scenarios—like waiting for monthly reports, delaying action for a week, or only dealing with matters once therapy has started—they do not align with the urgent nature of reporting under this legislation. The emphasis on immediate action is crucial in child protection contexts, making the selected answer the correct choice.