Child Protection Investigation Specialist (CPIS) Practice Exam

What tool is used to assess a family's strengths and needs in a child protection context?

1. Family self-assessment questionnaire

2. Risk assessment tool

3. Home safety checklist

4. Community resource availability list

The correct answer is: Risk assessment tool

The risk assessment tool is essential in evaluating the specific dangers that a child may face in their home environment. It helps identify factors that may contribute to potential harm or neglect, allowing professionals to prioritize interventions based on the severity and immediacy of risk. This tool assesses various elements, such as parental behavior, the home environment, and previous incidents of abuse or neglect, providing a comprehensive view of the child's safety. While the other options have merit in their respective contexts, they serve different purposes. The family self-assessment questionnaire may gauge family dynamics and perceptions, but it lacks the specific focus on immediate risk factors. The home safety checklist could identify physical hazards within the residence but does not evaluate the broader risks associated with parental or caregiver behavior. The community resource availability list is valuable for connecting families with necessary services but does not assess family strengths or the hazards they may pose to a child directly. The risk assessment tool ultimately encapsulates the critical facets required to ensure a child's safety in the child protection framework.