Child Protection Investigation Specialist (CPIS) Practice Exam

Who should be notified if there is an investigation of a DCFS licensed facility?

1. Only the director

2. Hotline (SCR) and DCFS Field Office

3. Local law enforcement

4. Parents of the child

The correct answer is: Hotline (SCR) and DCFS Field Office

The correct answer is that both the Hotline (SCR) and the DCFS Field Office should be notified in the event of an investigation involving a DCFS licensed facility. This is essential for ensuring the appropriate channels are engaged in handling the investigation effectively. Notifying the Hotline, or Statewide Central Register (SCR), is a crucial step as they manage reports of abuse or neglect and can initiate further investigation if necessary. Additionally, informing the DCFS Field Office ensures that local authorities within the Child and Family Services are made aware of the situation for ongoing oversight and support, allowing for coordinated responses to any allegations made against the facility. In contrast, notifying only the director would limit the scope of awareness and response actions needed during an investigation; it does not ensure that the proper regulatory bodies are engaged. While local law enforcement may be involved eventually, their notification is typically secondary and dependent on the nature of the allegations. As for parents, while they may have a vested interest in being informed, their notification is not a primary requirement, especially if the investigation's nature implies risks to others as well. Therefore, the notification to the Hotline and the Field Office is a standardized and critical protocol in protecting children effectively during these investigations.