What should always be excluded from a cover story regarding child abuse?

The correct choice emphasizes that actual details of the child's abuse history must be excluded from a cover story regarding child abuse. This is crucial because including specific details about the abuse can compromise the child's safety and privacy. It also ensures that sensitive information is not disclosed inappropriately, which can lead to further trauma for the child and potentially hinder ongoing legal or protective proceedings.

Furthermore, protecting the confidentiality of such information aligns with ethical standards in social work and child welfare. It helps maintain the integrity of the investigation and protects the child from unnecessary exposure to additional stressors, especially in a situation as delicate as child abuse. Maintaining confidentiality is vital to fostering a trusting environment in which the child and their family feel safe to seek help and support.

The other options, while they may contain important information that could contribute to the assessment or understanding of a child's situation, do not carry the same level of risk concerning the child's privacy as the detailed history of abuse does.