Florida Child Protection Investigator (CPI) Certification Practice Test

What does the coded maltreatment indicate when a mother leaves the hospital shortly after giving birth and is never heard from again?

1. Inadequate supervision

2. Environmental hazards

3. Failure to protect

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: None of the above

The scenario described indicates a situation that falls outside the typical definitions of maltreatment such as inadequate supervision, environmental hazards, or failure to protect. When a mother leaves the hospital shortly after giving birth and is never heard from again, it suggests a possible abandonment or a significant issue with maternal attachment or willingness to care for the child. However, the coding system for maltreatment is typically focused on more direct indicators of harm or neglect that can be observed or reported. Coded maltreatment relates to specific actions or patterns of behavior that directly affect the child's welfare. In this case, while the mother's actions may raise concern and warrant further investigation regarding the child's safety, the absence of a protective figure does not neatly fit the definitions provided in the other options. Therefore, indicating "none of the above" highlights that these specific codes do not encompass the gravity or nature of the situation described, as it implies a broader need for assessment rather than labeling it under established maltreatment categories.