Child Protection Investigation Specialist (CPIS) Practice Exam

Who can be designated to conduct a scene investigation?

1. Social workers

2. Law enforcement only

3. Medical examiners

4. The scene investigation can be delegated to anyone involved

The correct answer is: Social workers

A social worker can be designated to conduct a scene investigation because they are often trained to gather information about the circumstances surrounding child protection concerns, including assessing the environment and the dynamics between family members. Social workers typically possess the skills necessary to interview individuals, collect relevant data, and assess risk factors that may endanger a child's safety. They play a key role in multi-disciplinary teams where information needs to be gathered sensitively and in accordance with both legal and ethical standards. Additionally, their training often emphasizes understanding family systems and socio-economic factors that might influence child welfare. In practice, while social workers can be involved in this process, it's important to note that there are protocols that define the roles of various professionals in child protection investigations. This collaborative approach ensures that the expertise of different disciplines is utilized effectively to safeguard children.