Child Protection Investigation Specialist (CPIS) Practice Exam

Which of the following signifies a child's safety is potentially compromised?

1. Child displays normal behavior

2. There are no reported allegations against the family

3. Signs of neglect or abuse in the child's environment

4. Caregivers report frequent absences from school

The correct answer is: Signs of neglect or abuse in the child's environment

The choice indicating that signs of neglect or abuse in the child's environment points to a situation where a child’s safety is potentially compromised is correct because such signs are clear indicators of harmful conditions that the child may be experiencing. Evidence of neglect can include lack of proper supervision, inadequate medical care, or insufficient basic needs being met. Similarly, signs of abuse could manifest through physical injuries, emotional distress, or other troubling behavioral changes in the child. These indicators suggest that the child's immediate environment may not be safe, necessitating further investigation and potential intervention to protect the child's welfare. Other options such as a child displaying normal behavior, no reported allegations against the family, or caregivers reporting frequent absences from school do not inherently indicate that a child’s safety is compromised. Normal behavior can be misleading, as some children may not exhibit outward signs of distress even when experiencing unsafe conditions. The absence of reports against the family does not guarantee safety, as it is possible that issues have not yet been detected or reported. Frequent absences from school might raise concerns, but on their own, they do not directly point to neglect or abuse unless contextual factors about the reasons for those absences are understood. Thus, the presence of signs of neglect or abuse is the most tangible reflection of