Final answer:
Child Protective workers must observe a child within 72 hours when the report doesn't involve an immediate threat but the alleged person responsible has access to the child. These timeframes ensure the child's safety without needing the immediacy required for more severe cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a report does not involve an immediate threat or high risk to the child, but the person alleged to be responsible has access to the child, once assigned, a Child Protective worker is generally required to observe the child within a specific timeframe. Though policies can vary by jurisdiction, a common standard is that the worker must observe the child within 72 hours. This timeframe allows Child Protective Services (CPS) to assess the situation and ensure the safety of the child while not having to respond with the immediacy that an imminent risk would necessitate.
Child Protective workers play a critical role in safeguarding children's welfare. Over 3.3 million reports of child abuse involving approximately 5.9 million children were reported in a single year according to Child Help 2011. These reports often result in investigations to determine the presence of abuse or neglect, with the goal of intervening to protect children, especially those who are too young to advocate for themselves or seek help.