Child Welfare Academy Competency Exam Practice

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• Which technique helps the client feel their strengths are recognized by separating them from the incident?
• What is the best example of a strength-based question when interviewing a child?
• Which term describes a predictable natural emotional reaction to being forced to change or face difficult issues?
• Which approach is recommended to address barriers related to parental engagement and inconsistent compliance?
• Keeping children safely in their homes whenever possible aligns most closely with which of the following outcomes?
• What is the primary purpose of visitation between children and their parents?
• Which of the following is NOT a CPS Investigation finding type?
• Family-Centered Practice is a:
• How should confidentiality be managed in mandated reporting contexts?
• What interviewing approaches are recommended when talking to children about suspected abuse?
• Which option correctly describes how to establish a caregiver on the Relations screen?
• What professional boundaries should be maintained to ensure ethical practice?
• MD CHESSIE AFCARS fields are designated by which color?
• Which of the following is a barrier category related to changes in life conditions?
• How are abuse and neglect distinguished in child welfare terminology?
• The social service worker framed Kathleen's initial discipline techniques as separate from the incident to help her see strengths. This technique is best described as:
• Why are the Federal Child and Family Reviews important to child welfare practice?
• What is the most common form of maltreatment?
• During the seven-step planning process, what is the next step after developing objectives?
• How can workers map and coordinate community resources to support a child and family?
• Which question best exemplifies a solution-defining question?
• What elements should a child welfare case plan include to be effective?
• What are the two categories of indicators?
• In case record, when you have an opinion that the client was under the influence, how should you document it?
• If a child is discovered in imminent danger, which sequence of steps should a worker take first?
• Which term describes services provided unevenly based on a child’s race/ethnicity?
• When documenting responses from children during interviews about suspected abuse, which practice is essential?
• What signs may indicate financial exploitation or economic abuse of a child or family?
• What is the key distinction between a status offense and delinquency in juvenile justice?
• What is the role of building rapport in interviewing children about abuse?
• In safety planning, what best describes temporary safety planning?
• What is neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), and how should services respond in child welfare practice?
• Which statement best describes the importance of quality documentation in child welfare practice?
• What is the optimum distribution of skills for engaging children and families?
• Which statement best describes Partializing?
• When we are discussing the mental health of a parent, what are we assessing related to child maltreatment?
• Which of the following best describes the function of the Maryland Family Risk Assessment (MFRA)?
• Which statement about child neglect is true?
• Which of the following is a form of child maltreatment?
• Which indicators suggest potential human trafficking of a child?
• What is an example of a solution-focused, past-success question a worker might ask a parent about enforcing routines?
• The Federal CFCR assesses standards for how many program systems?
• In the seven-step planning process, what comes immediately after developing objectives?
• What are the core expectations of licensing standards for resource homes?
• Which item describes the proper use of the term 'Indicator' in child welfare assessment?
• What is the purpose of joint case conferences in interagency collaboration?
• How does trauma-informed interviewing of caregivers support child welfare outcomes?
• Which option is NOT one of the four stages of assessment?
• Techniques designed to point out that what the family member is experiencing is normal under the circumstances and that other individuals in their circumstance feel and act in similar ways, is a definition of what skill?
• The team notes that the couple argues frequently during the meeting. This barrier is best described as:
• Which of the following is not typically a function of early case plan goals?
• Which of the following is NOT listed as a form of child maltreatment?
• In a case plan example, the statement since age 14 she has been drinking heavily and often blackouts illustrates what type of issue?
• Which stage comes after Information Gathering in the four-stage assessment process?
• Which term refers to factors that may lead to harm to the child right now or in the very near future?
• What is forensic interviewing, and when is it appropriate to use it in child welfare?
• What is the purpose of a resource directory in community mapping?
• Which action best addresses barriers to accessing substance use treatment for families?
• To establish a caregiver on the Relations screen, which arrangement must be used?
• Which statement is described as a core condition for a helping relationship?
• Which term describes a questioning technique that helps family members clearly and specifically describe their concerns or problems?
• During an interview with Ms. Smith, she reports leaving her 4- and 6-year-old daughters alone from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. while she works a night shift. This scenario best illustrates which factor to consider in risk assessment?
• What is the typical timeline for a child welfare permanency hearing and its purpose?
• To determine the number of relations you must create, you should multiply the number of ___________ by ___________.
• In a meeting focusing on a child's behavioral difficulties, the worker's framing to highlight strengths is an example of:
• Which provision related to permanency hearings is correct under ASFA?
• Which approach best supports school coordination to promote permanency and well-being?
• What is included in the Maryland statute’s definition of child abuse?
• Why is it essential to assess mental health and substance use as part of risk assessment?
• Factors, called influences, may lead to harm to the child right now or in the very near future. This statement can best be applied to:
• Which of the following is NOT a principle of record-keeping?
• How does school stability influence permanency and safety planning?
• Which documentation formats are commonly used in child welfare to organize observations and actions?
• Which form is the least common and why?
• Which of the following lists the stages of grieving as described in the material?
• Which of the following best describes the use of solution-focused questions when a client lacks confidence?
• Why is neglect often considered the most common form of maltreatment?
• AFS stands for which system?
• Which practice supports maintaining confidentiality and proper access to child welfare records?
• What does SMART stand for in goal setting?
• There are four methods of gathering assessment information. They are:
• Which color denotes AFCARS fields?
• How should a social worker prepare for and present testimony in court?
• In MD CHESSIE, contact notes can be edited for up to how many days before they become read only?
• Information analysis is one of four stages of the assessment process. Which of the following is not one of the other three stages?
• How should ethical considerations govern mandated reporting and confidentiality?
• Which item is listed as a Step in the 7 Steps for Planning?
• Which item is listed as a Step in the 7 Steps for Planning?
• What term describes information that something of concern may be present or may happen in the future?
• What core skills are used to help the family tell their story from their perspective?
• How should domestic violence considerations shape safety planning for children?
• How do education rights and school involvement support child welfare outcomes?
• When domestic violence is a concern, who are you assessing?
• Which term refers to factors that may lead to harm to the child over a longer period in the future?
• What is a central issue for batterers?
• Which statement best describes the purpose of using summarizing in a conversation with a family?
• How do interagency collaborations enhance child welfare work, and what formal mechanisms support them?
• What best practices apply to documentation and record-keeping in child welfare?
• What is the role of Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) in child welfare cases?
• A substance exposed newborn can only be documented up to the age of how many days?
• Provides a synthesis of facts and feelings. Helps you to put the picture together and to make transitions. You have the opportunity to review and establish the next steps in the conversation.
• Which statement best reflects the Strengths Approach?
• The MFRA framework for risk evaluation relies on which method?
• What should transition planning for youth aging out of foster care include?
• Culture is defined as:
• In Jody's case, what is the most appropriate assessment outcome?
• What are the three types of findings in a CPS Investigation outcome?
• Which statement best describes a key component of a case plan to promote safety and well-being?
• Which elements are identified as Types of Resistance?
• What are common barriers to reunification in child welfare cases, and what strategies address them?
• Which approach is most effective for de-escalating a high-stress family crisis?
• What considerations are needed when serving children with disabilities?
• Which act forms the foundation of current Child Welfare practice due to providing funding and structure?
• Which of the following is a barrier category related to a parent's ability and resources?
• Mandatory and required areas in MD CHESSIE are identified by which indicators?
• CIS stands for which system?
• Which of the following is NOT a factor to consider when setting realistic time frames?
• What is a key component of a comprehensive safety plan in child welfare practice?
• Which of the following is a safety risk factor to consider when assessing children in cases of domestic violence?
• In setting goals for child welfare plans, what is the first criterion for ensuring goals are relevant?
• What does it mean that a child's rights are unconditional?
• Which statement best reflects considerations when working with LGBTQ+ youth in foster care?
• Which of the following is a barrier category related to interpersonal conflict in the family?
• What is the purpose of trauma screening in child welfare, and how does it guide practice?
• More children of color in the child welfare system than expected is an example of which term?
• What are the primary confidentiality considerations in child welfare cases?
• Presumptive rights and conditional rights refer to what?
• Under what circumstances is it appropriate to share information with outside parties in child welfare cases?
• Which is the correct order of typical court proceedings in a child welfare case from filing to closure?
• Which of the following is a barrier category related to service availability?
• What role does grief and loss play in foster care, and how should workers respond?
• What are the three core components of a safety assessment when a child is at risk of harm?
• CSES stands for which system in child welfare data management?
• What is the main purpose of Family Involvement Meetings?
• Which of the following lists common developmental indicators that may signal abuse or neglect?
• A child welfare worker is mandated to protect children and assist in the rehabilitation of families. This describes which role?
• In the case example, how old is the daughter who was abused?
• FMIS stands for what information system?
• Which option correctly represents a strength-based interview example for a child?
• Per COMAR Regulations, after a case has gone to continuing child protective services, for the first 30 days there shall be contact with the family:
• How can caseworkers effectively engage families from diverse cultural backgrounds?
• CARES is the acronym for which system?
• Which statement best describes the Strengths Approach?
• Which item is listed as a Step in the 7 Steps for Planning?
• Compare kinship care with non-relative foster care in terms of placement considerations.
• Describe the typical stages of the court process in a child welfare case.
• Which statement best describes the relationship between culture and child welfare practice?
• Which of the following best represents a trauma-informed response in foster care?
• What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and how do they influence child welfare practice?
• Family Involvement Meetings involve birth families and relevant parties in key decisions to ensure a network of support for the child as well as the adults who care for them. This approach most closely follows which model?
• When conducting an assessment of a domestic violence victim, the worker should begin by:
• Which element is not typically included in an effective safety plan?
• MD CHESSIE stands for what?
• Which factors influence timely permanency outcomes for children in foster care?
• In service planning, the daycare waitlist example illustrates which factor?
• In the described scenario, the issue that should be addressed in the case plan is labeled as what?
• What are the core principles of trauma-informed care as applied to child welfare?
• Which of the following is NOT a type of Solution-Focused Question?
• If a case has 3 clients, how many relations must be created according to the formula number of clients in a case times (clients in a case minus 1)?
• What is the function of the SAFE-C?
• If five clients are in a case, how many relations must be created using the formula?
• The strength-based practice model that engages the family at every stage throughout the life of the case is best described as which type of practice?
• The MFRA reports the risk and protective factors in each situation and reflects the ________ used to make an evaluation of the level of risk present.
• Which item is listed as a Step in the 7 Steps for Planning?
• Which option is not a method of gathering assessment information?
• Who is typically considered a mandated reporter and what is the standard reporting timeframe?
• In assessing risk and safety for children when domestic violence is present, which risk factor should be considered?
• Which approach best addresses cultural and linguistic barriers when working with immigrant families?
• The Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act required caseworkers to demonstrate what?
• In the case example, at what age did Mrs. Smith begin drinking heavily?
• What are important steps in connecting families to substance use treatment and recovery services?
• What is the primary purpose of solution-focused solution-defining questions in family interviews?
• Which statement best defines funneling?
• Which of the following is NOT listed as a criterion for effective tasks?
• Under COMAR, what is the standard timeframe for initiating an on-site investigation after a suspected child abuse report, absent delay agreements?
• Which statement about children and families of color in the child welfare system is correct?
• Disproportionality in child welfare refers to the overrepresentation of which group in the system?
• What is the primary purpose of SOAP notes in child welfare documentation?
• Which statement about NAS-related coordination is most accurate?
• In November 1997 President Clinton signed legislation affecting the public child welfare system. What is the name of this legislation?
• Which term describes a technique that narrows the focus of an interview by moving from broad questions to specific ones?
• What is the purpose of a safety plan in child welfare?
• NCANDS stands for which national system?
• During crisis intervention with families, which practice should be avoided?
• Which factors contribute to adolescent risk of running away or involvement with risky peers?
• Which statement is not true about genuineness, a core condition for a helping relationship?
• What are the typical permanency options available for a child in foster care?
• Under ICWA provisions, what is required regarding tribal involvement?
• When trying to gather information about Kathy's substance use, what assumption should you make about the amount she is using?
• The barriers described in the Jones Family case are best described as barriers related to:
• Which criterion emphasizes that a task should be expressed in a positive, affirmative manner?
• What are the two factors associated with readiness to change?
• Which concept refers to helping clients deal with one problem at a time or breaking down complex problems into manageable steps?
• Which of the following is NOT a stage of grieving as listed in the material?
• AFCARS stands for which system?
• Feedback is most helpful when it is
• What is an interviewing technique for use in families where substance abuse is present?
• Which item is listed as a Step in the 7 Steps for Planning?
• Statements that help the family member feel less alone in their situation are known as what type of skill?
• How often should a client's educational performance information be documented in MD CHESSIE?
• In the context of domestic violence assessment, which individuals are typically considered for evaluation?
• Which are the three types of resistance?
• Which statement most accurately describes safety planning in cases involving domestic violence?
• What does the acronym NYTD stand for in child welfare data systems?
• In the progression of child sexual abuse, what is the third stage?
• What does the acronym CANS stand for?
• Which of the following is not a right or value of family-centered child welfare practice?
• What are essential steps in creating an effective safety plan with families?
• List the key provisions of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) that workers must follow.
• Per COMAR Regulations, upon receipt of a report of suspected child abuse, DSS should initiate an on-site investigation within 24 hours unless:
• CINA stands for which designation?
• Which of the following is an example of mental injury in psychological abuse?
• In the Functioning folder of MD CHESSIE, how many disabilities must be addressed?
• Which statement best describes trauma-informed practice in child welfare?
• In trauma-informed care for child welfare, which principle focuses on avoiding actions that re-create past trauma?
• Which item is listed as a Step in the 7 Steps for Planning?
• What steps should workers take when suspected medical neglect is present?
• Name common tools or approaches used to assess trauma exposure and its impact.
• Which factor most directly influences timely permanency outcomes for children in foster care?
• What ethical considerations apply when sharing information for research or case studies involving children?
• A case plan for the Jones family relies on a neighbor watching their child until a daycare spot opens, delaying due to a two-month wait. This example best describes which factor to consider in service planning?
• Why are timely, clearly defined timelines important in reunification planning?
• On the Safe-C Assessment in MD CHESSIE, what items must be identified for every Safety Factor on the Safety Plan?
• Which statement best describes disparity in child welfare services?