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CHILD PROTECTIVE SPECIALIST NYC
CIVIL SERVICE EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2026
Intake - correct-answer- the initial stage of the CPS process where a report of
suspected child abuse or neglect is received and assessed by a specialist to
determine if it meets the criteria for a full investigation.
Investigation - correct-answer- is a systematic process to gather information,
evaluate evidence, and determine whether child abuse or neglect has occurred.
Assessment - correct-answer- a systematic process of information gathering,
information analysis, drawing conclusions, and decision-making to ensure a child's
safety and well-being in response to a report of suspected abuse or neglect.
Case Management - correct-answer- a coordinated process of assessing a child's
and family's needs and connecting them to resources to ensure the child's safety
and well-being. It is a holistic approach that focuses on the family's strengths and
weaknesses and addresses multiple issues beyond the single reason for a child
protective services report.
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Family Dynamics - correct-answer- refers to the interrelationships between and
among family members. It encompasses the forces at work within a family that
shape its unique behavior, interactions, and communication patterns.
Cultural Sensitivity - correct-answer- understanding how a family's cultural
background, including beliefs, values, and practices, influences their behavior and
perspectives during an investigation.
Implicit Bias - correct-answer- refers to the unconscious attitudes and stereotypes
that can unintentionally influence a specialist's understanding, actions, and
decisions.
Safety Planning - correct-answer- is a written agreement between a family and a
child protective services (CPS) agency outlining how specific threats to a child's
safety will be managed to ensure the child's protection in the home. It details the
immediate actions, stabilizing activities, observations, and supervision necessary
to control or eliminate the identified danger threats, often involving both formal
and informal support systems to support caregiver actions
Risk Assessment - correct-answer- the systematic evaluation of factors that have
contributed or could contribute to the maltreatment of a child. It is a
comprehensive and systematic process that focuses on the likelihood of future
harm or maltreatment
Permanency Planning - correct-answer- a child welfare goal-oriented process to
find a permanent, stable, and supportive living situation for a child, prioritizing
reunification with their family of origin or, if not possible, other lasting
CHILD PROTECTIVE SPECIALIST NYC
CIVIL SERVICE EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2026
Intake - correct-answer- the initial stage of the CPS process where a report of
suspected child abuse or neglect is received and assessed by a specialist to
determine if it meets the criteria for a full investigation.
Investigation - correct-answer- is a systematic process to gather information,
evaluate evidence, and determine whether child abuse or neglect has occurred.
Assessment - correct-answer- a systematic process of information gathering,
information analysis, drawing conclusions, and decision-making to ensure a child's
safety and well-being in response to a report of suspected abuse or neglect.
Case Management - correct-answer- a coordinated process of assessing a child's
and family's needs and connecting them to resources to ensure the child's safety
and well-being. It is a holistic approach that focuses on the family's strengths and
weaknesses and addresses multiple issues beyond the single reason for a child
protective services report.
, 2
Family Dynamics - correct-answer- refers to the interrelationships between and
among family members. It encompasses the forces at work within a family that
shape its unique behavior, interactions, and communication patterns.
Cultural Sensitivity - correct-answer- understanding how a family's cultural
background, including beliefs, values, and practices, influences their behavior and
perspectives during an investigation.
Implicit Bias - correct-answer- refers to the unconscious attitudes and stereotypes
that can unintentionally influence a specialist's understanding, actions, and
decisions.
Safety Planning - correct-answer- is a written agreement between a family and a
child protective services (CPS) agency outlining how specific threats to a child's
safety will be managed to ensure the child's protection in the home. It details the
immediate actions, stabilizing activities, observations, and supervision necessary
to control or eliminate the identified danger threats, often involving both formal
and informal support systems to support caregiver actions
Risk Assessment - correct-answer- the systematic evaluation of factors that have
contributed or could contribute to the maltreatment of a child. It is a
comprehensive and systematic process that focuses on the likelihood of future
harm or maltreatment
Permanency Planning - correct-answer- a child welfare goal-oriented process to
find a permanent, stable, and supportive living situation for a child, prioritizing
reunification with their family of origin or, if not possible, other lasting
