Child Protection Investigation Specialist (CPIS) Practice Exam

What must occur within 24 hours of receiving a child protection report?

1. A good faith determination of abuse or neglect

2. A decision to terminate the investigation

3. A report to law enforcement

4. A preliminary interview with the child

The correct answer is: A good faith determination of abuse or neglect

A good faith determination of abuse or neglect within 24 hours of receiving a child protection report is crucial because it establishes the initial assessment of whether the report warrants further investigation. This assessment is vital for ensuring the safety and well-being of the child involved. By making this determination promptly, child protection agencies can prioritize cases that may pose an immediate risk to the child and allocate resources efficiently to those in need. This timely response helps in addressing potential threats and initiating protective services when necessary. In contrast, while law enforcement may need to be involved in some cases, it's not universally required within such a strict timeframe. Similarly, decisions to terminate an investigation would typically occur after a thorough review rather than immediately following the report. Preliminary interviews with the child, though important for gathering information, may take longer than 24 hours to arrange, especially considering the need for careful planning to ensure the child's emotional and psychological safety.