Child Protection Investigation Specialist (CPIS) Practice Exam

The inclusion of a statement of concern and relevant facts in a report of suspected abuse or neglect is essential for several reasons. This type of information provides the necessary context for investigators and authorities to understand the situation and assess the potential risk to the child. A clear statement of concern articulates why the individual reporting believes abuse or neglect may be occurring, which can aid in prioritizing the case and determining the appropriate response. Additionally, relevant facts such as observations or behaviors witnessed, dates and times of incidents, and any specific incidents of concern give investigators concrete information to work with. This balance of subjective and objective details is crucial in child protection investigations, as it allows for a comprehensive assessment of the child's safety. In contrast, while personal information about the family is sometimes necessary, it should not overshadow the immediate concerns for the child's welfare. Simply providing the child’s name and address lacks critical context and does not sufficiently inform decision-makers about potential risks. Similarly, focusing solely on parents' public records does not relate directly to the child's current safety or the specifics of the suspected abuse or neglect. Overall, including a statement of concern along with relevant facts is the most effective approach for a thorough investigation.