Child Protection Investigation Specialist (CPIS) Practice Exam

What documentation is essential for every physical injury to a child investigated by CPS?

1. Medical reports only

2. Parent affidavits

3. Body chart, photographs, and an explanation

4. Incident reports from schools

The correct answer is: Body chart, photographs, and an explanation

The necessity of documenting every physical injury to a child investigated by Child Protective Services (CPS) centers on the comprehensive nature of the evidence required to support the investigation. This documentation is critical in determining the severity and context of the injury, as well as establishing a clear record for any potential legal proceedings. A body chart provides a visual representation of the location and extent of the injuries, allowing investigators to have a standardized method of recording the injuries that can be universally understood. Photographs are also vital as they offer undeniable evidence of the condition of the child at a specific time. An explanation accompanying these visual documents provides context concerning how the injuries occurred, which is crucial for assessing the possibility of abuse or neglect. Relying solely on medical reports may not cover all aspects of the situation, such as specifics about the incidents leading to the injuries. While parent affidavits can offer insight into the child's home environment, they may not provide an objective account of the injuries. Likewise, incident reports from schools might inform about behavioral or social circumstances but typically lack the detailed medical context required in these investigations. Thus, the combination of a body chart, photographs, and an explanation is holistic and critical for CPS investigations of physical injuries in children.