Child Protection Investigation Specialist (CPIS) Practice Exam

Who is considered an inappropriate choice for interpreting in a child protection context?

1. Parents of the child involved

2. Professional interpreters

3. Friends of the child involved

4. Family members who are not directly involved

The correct answer is: Parents of the child involved

In a child protection context, involving someone with a personal stake in the situation, such as the parents of the child involved, raises significant concerns regarding objectivity and the potential for bias. Parents may have emotional attachments or vested interests that can shade their interpretation of sensitive information. For effective communication in these situations, it is crucial to have an interpreter who can remain impartial and provide a clear and unbiased representation of the child's and other parties' statements. Professional interpreters are trained to handle sensitive topics with discretion, while friends and family members who are not directly involved may also have biases or emotional connections that could influence their interpretations. Therefore, selecting an independent and professional interpreter minimizes the risk of any conflict of interest and ensures that the child's voice is accurately conveyed without external influence.