Child Protection Investigation Specialist (CPIS) Practice Exam

What does the concept of 'willingness and capacity to protect' imply?

1. The caregiver has financial resources

2. The caregiver has support from family

3. The caregiver is both able and motivated to ensure safety

4. The caregiver avoids any involvement with law enforcement

The correct answer is: The caregiver is both able and motivated to ensure safety

The concept of 'willingness and capacity to protect' refers to a caregiver's ability and motivation to ensure a child's safety. This involves not only having the necessary skills and resources to provide a safe environment but also demonstrating a genuine commitment to protecting the child from harm. When a caregiver is willing, it indicates their readiness to take necessary actions to safeguard the child, such as engaging with support services or making lifestyle changes. Capacity entails having the means—both physical and emotional—to enact those protective measures, such as being knowledgeable about child safety and being able to respond appropriately in a crisis. The other options do not fully capture the scope of what 'willingness and capacity to protect' signifies. While financial resources and family support may contribute to a caregiver's overall ability to provide a safe environment, they do not directly address the dual aspects of capability and motivation. Avoiding law enforcement suggests a lack of engagement with protective services, which could indicate an unwillingness to seek help rather than a proactive approach to child safety. Thus, option C encompasses the comprehensive understanding of what it means for a caregiver to protect a child effectively.