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Six Fundamental Questions That Inform the Safety Assessment

Certain information is required in order to make critical judgments about child safety. The

following six questions provide a necessary information foundation that can reveal sufficient

systemic data to support decision making regarding the presence of present or impending danger.

What is the extent of child maltreatment?

This question addresses:

The kind and specific description of the maltreatment

The severity of the maltreatment

The specifics of the events, injuries and conditions present

The conclusion reached by the worker confirming the maltreatment

What are the circumstances surrounding the child maltreatment?

This question addresses:

The caretakers response to intervention

The caretakers explanation of what happened, the injuries and related conditions

including the childs condition

History and duration of the situation

Co-existing factors and conditions such as substance abuse or mental health

Contextual issues such as use of instruments, acts of discipline, threats, caretaker

intentions, etc.

How do the children function on a daily basis?

This question relates to all the children in the family and addresses:

Behavior

Cognitive

Social relations

Emotions

Physical

Temperament

Development

Vulnerability

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How do the adults (primary caretakers) function on a daily basis?

This question is concerned with primary caretakers and addresses:

Behavioral, emotional, physical, social and cognitive functioning Reality orientation

Life management

Problem solving

Communication

Social support and relations

Role performance

Mental health

Substance use

What are the general parenting practices in this family?

This question is concerned with over all parenting practices and what influences them and

addresses:

Age and child appropriate

Sensitive to childs needs and limitations

Realistic in view of circumstances and intentions

Creative

Satisfaction and motivation

Reasonable expectations

Parenting style Parenting history

What are the disciplinary practices in this family?

This question focuses specifically on the socialization, direction giving, guidance,

punishment & reward and teaching practices apparent in the family and addresses:

Caretaker intention

Caretaker self-control

Purpose of disciplinary action

Relationship to childs needs or caretakers needs Methods

Flexibility

Appropriateness

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