Exam Preview for 2491: Pennsylvania Act 31 of 2014: Child Abuse Rec

Pennsylvania Act 31 of 2014: Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Training

Please note: exam questions are subject to change.

1. The child welfare system in Pennsylvania is the responsibility of: Department of Human Services Office of Children, Youth and Families Department of General Services Department of Health Department of Education
2. All calls regarding child welfare in Pennsylvania go to: the governor's office ChildLine, whose staff determine if it is a child protective services or general protective services case local law enforcement the attorney general
3. General Protective Services to prevent abuse and neglect may include which of the following? instruction in parenting skills counseling and therapy services emergency caretaker services, shelter care, or medical services all of the above
4. A person licensed or certified to practice in any health-related field in Pennsylvania who suspects child abuse, has what reporting responsibility according to the law? permissive reporter (encouraged but not required to report suspected child abuse) mandated reporter (required to make a report to ChildLine or Child Welfare Portal when there is a reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect) no responsibility voluntary responsibility (it is up to the individual)
5. Which of the following statements is true regarding the responsibilities of mandated reporters? Mandated reporters are required to conduct a thorough investigation before making a report of suspected abuse. Mandated reporters are required to determine who is the perpetrator of suspected abuse. Mandated reporters are NOT required to identify the person responsible for the child abuse to make a report of suspected child abuse. Mandated reporters are required to interview all parties involved in the suspected abuse before making a report.
6. Which of the following is true regarding protections and liability for mandated reporters? Mandated reporters are not protected from liability under any circumstance. Mandated reporters are protected from some liability but can be sued even if the report was in good faith. Mandated reporters are protected from liability for reporting, cooperating with investigations, and testifying in court as a result of the report as long as the report is made without malice. Since there is no penalty for failure to report suspected abuse, it is best to not report suspected abuse than risk liability if you are wrong.
7. You are called to the pediatrics unit to assess a one year old admitted with first degree burns on the soles of his feet. The parents and their siblings are present. They repeatedly state how much the family loves their little guy, but they were just putting him in a bathtub that was too hot. Your assessment results indicate some impairment or developmental delay. What should you do? Nothing, they talk like a loving family and it must have been an accident. Nothing, assume that hospital social services is on top of the case. Check with hospital staff to see if ChildLine has been contacted, and if so go online to add your observations. Confirm with the hospital that a ChildLine report was made. If you believe you have additional information, call ChildLine to create a supplemental report.
8. A two year old female is brought to your private practice by her mom. The mom holds a full time job, but your sense is that she is a working poor individual. Your assessment indicates that developmental milestones are being reached at a one year age equivalence. The mothers affect and interaction with her child are positive and engaging. However, she tells you that the only babysitter she could find for her child puts her child in a playpen for the nine hours she is away. The babysitter doesn't interact much with her daughter except to make sure that she is fed and changed. What should you do? Nothing, the mother now seems to have a handle on things and she is seeking early intervention services Call ChildLine, the case worker can determine the possible need for general protective vs. child protective services As a mandated reporter, go to the Child Welfare Portal and initiate a report of abuse Make a referral for general protective services
9. You receive a referral from a physician for a young adolescent who has been mute for the past two weeks. The otolaryngological examination by the doctor was normal. During your intake interview, both of the parents are concerned that the child stopped talking when she learned she had to testify in court (reason unspecified) two weeks from now. What should you do? Nothing, it is likely that the daughter will no longer be mute after her court appearance Ask the parents if there is concern for the daughter's safety, and call law enforcement if there is potential danger Call law enforcement, no matter what As a mandated reporter, go to the Child Welfare Portal and initiate a report of abuse or neglect
10. A seven year old boy is under your routine care. You have noted that he is less responsive on certain days of the week. Today, he also seems sleepy and mutters about his parents yelling a lot last night. He couldn't finish his homework, let alone follow the recommendations you made in his care plan. What should you do? Nothing, parents do argue at times Check with the child's teachers to see if they see the same patterns before making a report. Call ChildLine to allow the caseworker to determine if there is need for general vs. child protective services As a mandated reporter, go to the Child Welfare Portal and initiate a report of abuse
11. The mother of a 4 year old preschool girl has come to you seeking services because of a significant developmental delay. You observe that the daughter is significantly underweight. The mom (with a caring and positive affect) tells you that from the time her 4 year old daughter was an infant through the present, she has given her coffee in a bottle first thing in the morning. The girl is 2-3 years delayed regarding developmental milestones. What should you do? Nothing, the mother is now seeking appropriate intervention services Call ChildLine, the case worker can determine the possible need for general protective vs. child protective services Refer the mother to a nutritionist. Make a referral for general protective services such as parenting classes
12. A mother has brought in her 5 year old daughter because she is not performing at age level with respect to developmental milestones. During the intake, you learn that the girl had been developing normally. She regressed after her father was released from jail. You also find out that he had locked them in the basement for periods of time during the past month, sometimes allowing them food. She says that he intimidates them with firearms and they were able to get away today on the bus to come see you. What should you do? Nothing, the mother is now seeking appropriate intervention services Call ChildLine, the case worker can determine the possible need for general protective vs. child protective services As a mandated reporter, go to the Child Welfare Portal and initiate a report of abuse Call law enforcement as the child's safety may be at risk, and initiate a report of abuse
13. While taking the case history on an 11 year old girl, you realize there are no previous medical records (despite appropriate release forms being sent to the mother and plenty of time for them to be returned). They have seen a variety of healthcare professionals from a variety of disciplines. The girl has received special services in school and a number of healthcare treatments. You do not find any impairments or disability on exam. The moms insists that her daughter's life participation is significantly affected by the reported behaviors. What is the most appropriate course of action? Nothing, this is the mother's problem and she should be referred for mental health services You only need to call ChildLine, the case worker can determine the possible need for general protective vs. child protective services, as this is a clear cut case of neglect As a mandated reporter, go to the Child Welfare Portal and initiate a report of abuse Call law enforcement, this child is clearly in immediate danger
14. You are a volunteer for an organization serving children. You notice that another volunteer has taken a particular child under his wing. He tends to isolate the child from other children and adults in the group and is somewhat vague about what they do when they are on their own together. You worry that the volunteer is possibly grooming a child though you don't know if the adult has initiated anything such as sexual contact. When you are able to talk with the child, he gets very quiet and says that the volunteer has said what they share is just between them. What is the most appropriate course of action? Because you are not sure, wait until you can get more information before acting Confront the volunteer As a mandated reporter, go to the Child Welfare Portal and initiate a report of abuse Call law enforcement, this child is clearly in immediate danger
15. A foster child is receiving services from you. The foster mother comes in with four other foster children during the appointment time. She is sharp in verbal tone with all of them in the waiting area. When she took several of the foster children to the restroom she was yelling at them and they emerged in tears or with frightened expressions. What should you do? Nothing, this just the way the foster mother disciplines this large number of children Call ChildLine, the case worker can determine the possible need for general protective vs. child protective services, as the foster mother may need to improve her parenting skills As a mandated reporter, go to the Child Welfare Portal and initiate a report of abuse Call law enforcement, these children are clearly in danger