Certified Case Manager Practice Test

What must be established to verify a mental injury in a child?

1. A direct link between parental behavior and harm to the child

2. Documentation of the child's school performance

3. Observations from family members

4. Evidence of physical injuries

The correct answer is: A direct link between parental behavior and harm to the child

To verify a mental injury in a child, establishing a direct link between parental behavior and harm to the child is essential. This connection illustrates how specific actions or patterns of behavior of the parents or caregivers have led to psychological distress or trauma in the child. Mental injuries in children often stem from environmental factors, including the behavior of those in close proximity to them, such as parents. Recognizing this direct link is crucial for intervention and for addressing the mental health needs of the child effectively. On the other hand, while documentation of the child's school performance, observations from family members, and evidence of physical injuries may provide additional context regarding the child's overall well-being, they do not directly establish the causal relationship necessary to prove a mental injury. School performance could be influenced by various factors beyond parental behavior, family observations can be subjective, and physical injuries may not be related to mental health concerns at all.