Who's WHo
This school-based professional can tell you about a child's attendance and hygiene
Who is the school nurse
Name one piece of documentation a school social worker can provide to CPS
Counseling records or behavioral assessments
You can share all case details with a social worker
What is False
You learn mid-investigation that the child may have Native American heritage. What is your immediate next step under ICWA?
Notify your agency’s ICWA specialist or tribal liaison immediately to begin verifying the child’s status and ensure tribal notification as required by law.
Name one sign of neglect you might confirm with a school collateral
Poor hygiene or frequent hunger
This school-based professional is the eyes and ears of the school
Who is the school secretary
Name two pieces of information you can get from a pediatrician during an investigation
What is medical history, signs of neglect or injury
Can CPS provide a final copy of the assessment to the reporter
What is False
The child's teacher is on leave for 2 months. What's your backup plan
Speak to other staff like the school counselor, principle, review school records
Which collateral can help determine whether a child is affiliated with a Native American tribe, and why is this crucial under ICWA?
Who is the tribal liaison or ICWA specialist? This is crucial because ICWA requires that the child’s tribe be notified and involved in all child welfare proceedings to protect the rights and cultural connections of Native American children.
This person can discuss speak to individuals wellbeing
List two things a neighbor collateral might tell CPS
Observations of loud fights/noises, unusual comings and goings, or concerns about children being left alone
What information can be shared with LEA and detectives?
All information that is relevant to the case
A child’s tribe has not responded after being notified of the case. What should you do next to stay compliant with ICWA?
Document all contact attempts and continue efforts to engage the tribe; consult with your ICWA specialist and follow agency procedures to ensure ongoing compliance while proceeding cautiously with the case.
A hospital calls in a suspected abuse report. What should you verify with medical staff to accurately assess immediate child safety?
Nature and severity of injuries, consistency with the explanation given, prior medical history, and whether injuries are accidental or inflicted.
This collateral works with the family on housing stability and can verify reports of homelessness or frequent moves
Who is a housing case manager or homeless liasion
A child’s counselor reports that the child has become withdrawn and anxious over the past month. What type of additional information should you seek from the counselor to support your investigation?
Session notes detailing behavioral changes, any disclosures made by the child, patterns or triggers for anxiety, and recommendations for further assessment or intervention.
Before interview a collateral, what much you clarify about confidentiality?
That only relevant info will be shared and their input remains confidential within CPS rules
A collateral provides a glowing report, but your observations suggest otherwise, what do you do?
Seek additional sources
There are concerns for domestic violence exposure in a shelter. Shelter staff will provide information
What is False
This collateral, often part of a multidisciplinary team, provides expert analysis of injuries and determines if they are consistent with child abuse
Who is a forensic medical examiner
A neighbor reports yelling and loud noises at night. How might you validate this information?
Cross-check with law enforcement, interview other neighbors, speak with apartment manger
You receive vital information from a collateral, but they ask to remain anonymous. What are the legal and ethical steps you must follow in documenting and using this information in your investigation?
Document the information accurately while protecting the collateral’s identity when possible; clarify that while anonymity can be respected in documentation, their identity may be disclosed if legally required (e.g., in court). Always follow agency policy and legal guidelines regarding confidentiality and disclosure.
A collateral shares conflicting info from what the parent reported. What should you do?
Investigate further, seek corroboration, and document discrepancies objectively.
You’re unable to reach the child at home and receive conflicting reports about their whereabouts. What collaterals could help locate the child and assess safety, and what would you ask them?
School staff (attendance records), law enforcement (wellness checks), neighbors (recent sightings), and extended family (child’s possible location). Ask when the child was last seen, any unusual activity, and contact info for others who may know their whereabouts.