Client Intake & Interview Ethics Flashcards
7 cards from real CPI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Client Intake & Interview Ethics flashcards as text
Why is it important to document a client's baseline psychological state during intake?
Answer: To provide context for evaluating witness reliability and identifying whether support services may be needed
Baseline psychological documentation helps assess the credibility of reports and flags cases where mental health referrals may be appropriate.
An investigator notices that a client appears to be under the influence of substances during the intake interview. What should the investigator do?
Answer: Reschedule the interview for a time when the client is sober to ensure reliable testimony
Reliable testimony requires a clear mental state; rescheduling ensures the integrity of the intake process and respects the client.
What is the ethical implication of accepting payment from clients who are in financial distress?
Answer: It may constitute exploitation and investigators should consider offering services at reduced or no cost
Charging fees to financially vulnerable clients when they are motivated by fear or distress can be exploitative and conflicts with ethical principles of beneficence.
Which of the following best illustrates a conflict of interest during client intake?
Answer: An investigator who has a financial stake in selling the client's story to a television producer
A financial interest in the client's story creates a conflict of interest that can compromise objectivity and client wellbeing.
During intake, a client insists on remaining anonymous even from other team members. How should the lead investigator handle this?
Answer: Honor the request by limiting identifying information shared within the team to only what is operationally necessary
Investigators should honor anonymity requests by compartmentalizing client information, sharing only what team members genuinely need to conduct the investigation.
An investigator is approached by a journalist who wants information about a recent client case. What is the appropriate response?
Answer: Decline to share any client-identifying information without explicit written consent from the client
Client confidentiality requires obtaining explicit written consent before sharing any case information with third parties, including media.
What is the purpose of establishing a clear scope of investigation during client intake?
Answer: To set mutual expectations about what will be investigated, how, and what outcomes are possible
A clearly defined scope ensures both the client and investigators share realistic expectations, reducing misunderstandings and ethical disputes.