Certified Case Manager Practice Test

Who initiates court action in cases of child endangerment?

1. The school counselor

2. The police department

3. The child's guardian ad litem

4. The case manager

The correct answer is: The child's guardian ad litem

The child's guardian ad litem is the individual who initiates court action in cases of child endangerment. This role is specifically designated to advocate for the best interests of the child in legal proceedings. The guardian ad litem performs an important function by investigating the circumstances surrounding the child’s welfare and representing the child's rights and needs in court. Their authority and responsibility are grounded in the legal system, which entrusts them with the power to act when a child's safety and well-being are at stake. In contrast, school counselors, while important in identifying signs of potential child endangerment and reporting concerns, do not have the legal authority to initiate court proceedings themselves. Similarly, the police department may be involved in investigating allegations of endangerment and may arrest or detain individuals when necessary, but they primarily enforce the law rather than initiate court actions directly concerning child protection. While case managers may facilitate services and coordinate care for children in vulnerable situations, their role does not typically extend to initiating court actions, as this responsibility falls to the guardian ad litem, who is specifically trained and designated for this purpose.