1. What is the nature and extent of the maltreatment?

The CPS worker should be able to describe the maltreating behavior and the immediate physical effects on a child. This answer includes what is happening, such as hitting or, injuries. Answering this question also results in a maltreatment finding. This question is typically the focus of most investigations. Explaining the nature and extent of the mal- treatment should include:

• Type of maltreatment
• Severity of the maltreatment, results, injuries
• Maltreatment history, similar incidents
• Describing events, what happened, hitting, pushing
• Describing emotional and physical symptoms
• Identifying child and maltreating parent

However, relying only on the immediate behavior and its effects is inadequate for deciding if a child is unsafe or what to do about it if she is.