What is the main action a person must take if they suspect a juvenile is abused, neglected, or dependent?

The main action a person must take if they suspect a juvenile is abused, neglected, or dependent is to report the suspicion to the proper authorities. This course of action is essential because it ensures that the situation is assessed by professionals who are trained to handle cases of child abuse and neglect. Reporting allows for an investigation to be initiated, which can lead to intervention and protection for the juvenile.

In many jurisdictions, there are laws that require certain professionals to report suspected abuse or neglect when they observe signs or receive disclosures from the juvenile. This reporting mechanism is in place to prioritize the safety and welfare of the child, ensuring that appropriate steps are taken to address the situation. Hence, informing the authorities can lead to crucial support and resources being mobilized for the child.

The other options, such as filing a lawsuit, directly informing the juvenile, or ignoring the situation, do not provide the necessary intervention that a child in need deserves. Filing a lawsuit requires legal grounds and may not address the immediate safety concerns, while informing the juvenile may inadvertently place them in a more vulnerable position. Ignoring the situation can potentially exacerbate the child's circumstances. Therefore, reporting to the proper authorities is both a responsible and often legally mandated action in these cases.