Child Welfare Licence (CWEL) Practice Exam

What type of data does the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) tool provide?

1. Statistical data about community services

2. Data needed to document progress and service delivery

3. Demographic data of families in care

4. Data on school performance

The correct answer is: Data needed to document progress and service delivery

The Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) tool is designed specifically to assess the needs and strengths of children and adolescents in various service contexts, particularly those involved with child welfare and mental health systems. This tool provides comprehensive data that is essential for documenting an individual child's progress and the effectiveness of the services being delivered to them. The focus on progress and service delivery is critical as it allows service providers to track improvements over time, tailor interventions to meet the specific needs of the child, and communicate effectively with stakeholders involved in the child's care. The data generated by the CANS informs treatment planning and helps in evaluating outcomes, making it a valuable resource for ensuring that children receive quality support that caters to their evolving requirements. Other types of data, such as statistical data on community services, demographic data of families, or data on school performance, are not the primary focus of the CANS tool. These aspects may provide useful information in a broader system of care, but they do not capture the specific, nuanced needs and strengths that are critical for effective individual case management and intervention.