At what age must a CPI of the same sex observe the child?

The correct answer to the question is based on the guidelines established for the practice of child protective investigations in Illinois. A Child Protection Investigator (CPI) must observe a child in cases of alleged abuse or neglect when the child is 6 years old and older. This requirement is in place to ensure that the observations are done by a professional of the same sex as the child to promote comfort and reduce anxiety during the investigation process.

Younger children may not require the same level of direct observation, allowing for different protocols to be applied to ensure their safety and well-being while still gathering necessary information for the investigation. However, beginning at age 6, the practice emphasizes the importance of same-sex observation to promote an environment where the child may feel safer and more willing to communicate openly with the investigator about their circumstances.