Child Protection Investigation Specialist (CPIS) Practice Exam

What is the difference in the degree of harm assessed for safety versus risk?

1. Safety is always severe; risk is always moderate

2. Safety ranges from moderate to severe; risk can be low to severe

3. Safety is unrelated to risk

4. Safety can only be assessed in terms of severity

The correct answer is: Safety ranges from moderate to severe; risk can be low to severe

The distinction between the assessment of safety and risk in child protection investigations is vital for understanding how to effectively evaluate a child’s situation. Safety focuses on the immediate and current threats to a child's well-being, assessing whether they are in a state of harm that can range from moderate to severe. This assessment is critical for making quick decisions regarding interventions that ensure a child's immediate safety from any danger. On the other hand, the assessment of risk evaluates potential future harm or the likelihood of danger occurring. This can vary widely, from being low to severe, depending on factors such as family dynamics, history of abuse, or environmental conditions. Risk assessments take a longer perspective, examining what could happen over time rather than just the current situation. Thus, the correct choice highlights that while safety must consider severity to ensure prompt protective action, risk encompasses a broader range, from low to severe, reflecting different degrees of likelihood of harm occurring. This nuanced understanding allows professionals to implement appropriate measures based on the context of each case.