Child Protection Investigation Specialist (CPIS) Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of a hotline report in child protection?

1. To collect data statistics

2. To provide immediate assistance to families

3. To initiate an investigation

4. To evaluate child development

The correct answer is: To initiate an investigation

The primary purpose of a hotline report in child protection is to initiate an investigation. When reports are made through a hotline, they serve as the first formal entry point for concerns regarding potential child abuse or neglect. The hotline gathers critical information from the individual making the report, which includes details about the child's situation, the alleged perpetrator, and any relevant contextual information. This initiation of an investigation is crucial because it allows child protective services to assess the level of risk and determine the appropriate response, which may involve further inquiry, coordination with law enforcement, or intervention services. The prompt reporting through a hotline can help ensure the safety of a child and facilitate necessary actions to protect them from harm. Other choices, while related to aspects of child welfare, do not capture the primary role of the hotline report. Collecting data statistics may occur as a secondary benefit of reports received, and providing immediate assistance to families is typically the result of an investigation or intervention, not the purpose of the initial report. Evaluating child development is also an important aspect of child welfare but does not pertain directly to the function of a hotline report in initiating protective measures.