Child Protection Investigation Specialist (CPIS) Practice Exam

What information should be obtained when interviewing an alleged perpetrator?

1. Substance use and mental health concerns

2. Date of birth and social security number

3. Address and alias names used

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

When interviewing an alleged perpetrator in a child protection investigation, obtaining a comprehensive range of information is crucial for assessing the situation effectively and ensuring the safety of the child involved. Each piece of information listed plays a significant role in the overall investigation. Gathering details about substance use and mental health concerns is vital because these factors can influence a perpetrator's behavior and capacity to care for a child. Understanding any underlying issues can help determine the context of the allegations and develop appropriate interventions. Knowing the alleged perpetrator's date of birth and social security number allows investigators to accurately identify the individual and access necessary records. This information is important for creating a reliable profile and linking the individual to any prior incidents, which may provide insight into potential patterns of behavior. Acquiring the address and any alias names used is essential for ensuring that investigators can locate the person involved. This information can also reveal potential connections to others involved in the case or previous incidents. In summary, obtaining a broad spectrum of information during interviews helps build a more complete picture of the alleged perpetrator's circumstances, which is key for making informed decisions about child protection measures and follow-up actions. Thus, gathering all the mentioned information is vital for thorough and effective investigations in child protection cases.