Recognizing the Signs: From Suspicion to Action with Andrea Sebastian, Part Two
April 15, 2026
Recognizing possible child maltreatment is only the first step—what comes next can be just as critical.
In this continuation of our Child Abuse Prevention Month series, Dr. Lisa Beasley and pediatric nurse practitioner Dr. Andrea Sebastian explore what happens after a provider recognizes concerning injuries in a child. The conversation focuses on the real-world responsibilities of mandatory reporters, including the difference between proof and reasonable suspicion, and why action must be taken even when certainty is not possible.
Together, they break down:
What “reasonable suspicion” actually means in practice
Who determines whether abuse occurred (and who does not)
How to document injuries clearly and objectively
The role of photographs and body maps in clinical care
How reporting to CPS and law enforcement works in Tennessee
What information providers need before making a report
How to communicate with families in a trauma-informed, non-accusatory way
Why early reporting can change outcomes and save lives
This episode emphasizes a central message for all healthcare providers: trust your clinical judgment, act on concern, and prioritize child safety through timely, responsible reporting.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Awareness begins with knowledge—and action protects children.
Key Topics Covered:
- Reasonable suspicion vs. proof in mandatory reporting
- Provider role vs. investigator role in child abuse cases
- Documentation best practices (injury description, body maps, photography)
- Reporting procedures in Tennessee (hotline and online reporting)
- Information required when making a report
- Trauma-informed communication with caregivers
- Maintaining professionalism and objectivity during reporting
- The importance of early intervention in child safety
Key Takeaway:
Healthcare providers are mandated reporters who act on suspicion, not proof. Prompt, objective reporting can protect children and improve long-term outcomes.
Brought to you by:
Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement