Child Welfare Licence (CWEL) Practice Exam

What is defined as the temporary placement of a minor away from their usual custody?

1. Familial Guidance

2. Protective Custody

3. Emergency Support

4. Relative Care

The correct answer is: Protective Custody

The term "Protective Custody" refers to the temporary placement of a minor away from their usual custody for their safety and well-being. This action is typically taken when there are concerns about the child's environment or immediate safety, often due to abuse, neglect, or potential harm. It acknowledges the necessity of removing the child from harmful situations while ensuring that their needs are still met in a safe and secure setting. In practice, protective custody is an essential step in child welfare procedures where the primary goal is to protect the child while a more permanent solution can be decided, whether that involves reunification with family or placement in a more stable environment. The focus is always on the child's best interests during this critical and often sensitive process. The other terms mentioned refer to different contexts or arrangements that do not specifically address the immediate concerns relating to reducing risk and providing safety for a minor at risk, hence they do not capture the same urgency and legal implications of protective custody.