Child Protection Investigation Specialist (CPIS) Practice Exam

Which factor is crucial in assessing environmental neglect?

1. Cultural background of the family

2. Availability of community services

3. Physical condition of the home

4. Parental employment status

The correct answer is: Physical condition of the home

Assessing environmental neglect heavily relies on the physical condition of the home because it provides direct insight into whether the living conditions meet basic health and safety standards for children. This includes evaluating factors such as cleanliness, structural integrity, sanitation, and safety hazards that could put a child at risk. When the physical environment is deteriorated or lacks essential amenities, such as adequate heating, clean water, or proper waste disposal, it often indicates neglectful circumstances that can harm children's well-being. While the other factors—like cultural background, availability of community services, and parental employment status—may influence the overall context of a family's situation, they do not specifically focus on the immediate and tangible conditions of the living environment. In contrast, the physical condition serves as a clear and observable metric that can be objectively assessed during investigations of environmental neglect.