Child Protection Investigation Specialist (CPIS) Practice Exam

What is considered a collateral in child protection investigations?

1. A neighbor to the child and family

2. A medical professional assessing the child

3. A social worker involved in the case

4. A school official providing information

The correct answer is: A neighbor to the child and family

In the context of child protection investigations, a collateral refers to an individual who is not directly involved in the child's welfare but can provide relevant information that aids in understanding the child's situation and the family dynamics. A neighbor to the child and family is a quintessential example of a collateral because they can offer observations about the child's living conditions, behavior, and interactions with family members. Neighbors often have unique insights because they observe the family from an outside perspective, which can help identify any potential concerns or safety issues that might not be visible to those already involved in the child's life, such as family members or close friends. By gathering information from neighbors, investigators can piece together a more comprehensive picture of the child's environment and any factors that might be affecting their well-being. While medical professionals, social workers, and school officials also provide valuable information, they are typically more directly involved with the child or the family in some capacity and therefore may not fit the strict definition of a collateral in the same way that a neighbor does. Their roles are often more engaged and less observational in nature, focusing on specific aspects of care or support rather than providing broad contextual observations.