Certified Case Manager Practice Test

Which of the following statements best describes the goal of home assessments in case management?

1. To observe the child's immediate environment for safety

2. To develop therapy strategies for all household members

3. To determine the eligibility for child welfare services

4. To establish a permanent placement for the child

The correct answer is: To observe the child's immediate environment for safety

The primary goal of home assessments in case management is to observe the child's immediate environment for safety. This involves evaluating various aspects of the home setting, such as potential hazards, the general living conditions, and how they may affect the well-being of the child. Ensuring safety is a crucial aspect of child welfare, as a secure environment is foundational for healthy development. When case managers conduct these assessments, they are looking to identify any risks that could impact the child’s safety and overall functioning. By focusing on the immediate environment, the case manager can gather important information to help make informed decisions regarding appropriate interventions, supports, and necessary actions to protect the child. The other options involve broader objectives that, while relevant to case management, do not specifically capture the primary focus of home assessments. Developing therapy strategies deals more with clinical interventions rather than environmental safety, determining eligibility for child welfare services pertains to policy and program criteria rather than the specifics of the household environment, and establishing a permanent placement focuses on long-term planning which is separate from the immediate evaluation of safety concerns within the home.