Which statement about confidential reporting channels is accurate?

• A. All confidential reports must include the reporter's name and contact information.
• B. There are no confidential reporting options available.
• C. Facilities provide confidential/anonymous third-party reporting channels to inmates, in addition to on-site reporting.
• D. Only external agencies handle confidential reports.

Answer: (C)

Confidential reporting channels protect the reporter’s privacy while ensuring the report is received and acted upon. The accurate statement reflects that facilities must offer confidential or anonymous options beyond just on-site reporting. In addition to reporting to staff on site, inmates should have access to third-party channels—outside, neutral avenues that preserve anonymity or secrecy—so they can disclose abuse without fear of retaliation. This combination prevents the requirement to identify the reporter and ensures multiple pathways for reporting are available.

This fits PREA expectations because there are confidential options (so claiming there are none is incorrect), and confidential reporting isn’t restricted to external agencies alone (facilities must provide on-site confidential channels as well as third-party options). It’s also not about obligating a name; anonymity is allowed to encourage reporting.