Florida Child Protection Investigator (CPI) Certification Practice Test

What should an investigator do if the mother describes her 4-year-old as not following directions, but the childcare provider says otherwise?

1. Get more information

2. Reconcile inconsistent information

3. Validate the information from another source

4. Nothing needs to be done

The correct answer is: Reconcile inconsistent information

Reconciliation of inconsistent information is crucial in investigative settings, as discrepancies can provide key insights into a child's behavior and overall situation. When faced with a situation in which a mother and a childcare provider report contrasting views about a child's adherence to directions, it's essential for the investigator to work towards understanding the reasons behind these differences. By reconciling the inconsistent information, the investigator can explore possible factors contributing to the different observations, such as the environment in which the child is being observed or the specific context of the directions given. This process may involve asking clarifying questions to both the mother and the childcare provider and possibly observing the child in different settings. Utilizing such an approach ensures that the investigator can gather a comprehensive understanding of the child's behavior, which can lead to more effective interventions or support tailored to the child’s needs. It enables a more nuanced understanding of the situation rather than prematurely drawing conclusions based on isolated comments.