Which stage is NOT part of the child abuse investigation process?

The stage that is not part of the child abuse investigation process is legal defense preparation. Child abuse investigations typically follow a structured process that includes the initial report or response, interviews with the child and potentially other witnesses, and a medical examination to assess any physical evidence of abuse or neglect.

Legal defense preparation, however, refers to actions taken to prepare for legal proceedings, such as the defense of an accused individual, and is not a part of the investigative steps carried out by law enforcement or child protective services. The focus of the investigation is on gathering evidence, understanding the situation, and ensuring the child's safety rather than preparing a legal defense for a party involved in the investigation.