Certified Case Manager Practice Test

Which statement best describes the focus of therapeutic interviews in child welfare?

1. To collect evidence of physical abuse

2. To support the child's emotional healing

3. To establish legal grounds for prosecution

4. To assess the child's living environment

The correct answer is: To support the child's emotional healing

The focus of therapeutic interviews in child welfare centers around supporting the child's emotional healing. These interviews are designed to create a safe and supportive environment where children can express their feelings and experiences. This therapeutic approach is crucial because children often deal with trauma and emotional distress as a result of their circumstances, and facilitating their emotional healing can significantly impact their overall well-being and development. Therapeutic interviews aim to validate the child’s feelings, help them process their experiences, and build trust with the interviewer. By targeting emotional healing, these interviews play an essential role in a child’s recovery process and can also guide further interventions and support services tailored to the child's needs. In contrast, while the collection of evidence of physical abuse, establishment of legal grounds for prosecution, and assessment of the living environment are important components of child welfare assessments, they do not encapsulate the primary goal of therapeutic interviews, which is to prioritize the emotional and psychological needs of the child.