What should be the focus during a case assessment by child protective services?

During a case assessment by child protective services, the primary focus should be on assessing the child's immediate safety. This is crucial because the primary goal of child protective services is to ensure the well-being and protection of the child from harm. Immediate safety assessments help identify any existing risks or dangers in the child's environment, facilitating timely intervention to mitigate those risks.

By concentrating on immediate safety, caseworkers can determine whether the child is in a safe living situation or if there are urgent concerns that need to be addressed, such as potential abuse or neglect. This assessment lays the groundwork for subsequent steps in the intervention process, ensuring that the child is protected while further evaluations and services are planned.

While factors such as the family's financial status, school involvement, and community perception can provide additional context and may influence long-term interventions, they do not take precedence over the urgent need to ensure a child's immediate safety.