Child Protection Investigation Specialist (CPIS) Practice Exam

What age must a child be for a CPI of the same sex to observe the child?

1. Under 10

2. 14 or older

3. Six and older

4. Any age

The correct answer is: 14 or older

For a child protection investigation (CPI), the specific requirement that a CPI of the same sex must observe a child applies when the child is 14 years of age or older. This guideline is rooted in considerations of privacy and comfort for the child during an investigative process. As children grow older, they may have a greater understanding of their rights and exhibit more awareness of their personal boundaries. The rationale behind this age requirement is to ensure the child's dignity and to foster a safer environment during potentially sensitive observations or interviews. Having a same-sex investigator can help in making the child feel more comfortable, potentially leading to more open communication and a more accurate understanding of the situation being investigated. The other age parameters provided do not align with the established guideline for when a same-sex observer is necessary, as they relate to younger children or do not specify a particular age, which does not adequately address the importance of respecting the child's developing autonomy and privacy.