Final answer:
In an intake scenario where a parent and child are having an argument, the best response is to intervene and mediate the conflict. Ignoring the argument or siding with either party can be counterproductive and hinder the intake process.
Step-by-step explanation:
If an argument occurs between a parent and child during an intake, the most appropriate action would typically be A) Intervene and try to mediate the argument. This choice allows the professional to address the immediate conflict, ensuring that the intake process can continue effectively. It is important to maintain neutrality and to listen to both sides with empathy. The professional's role in this scenario is to facilitate communication, not to take sides or pass judgement.
Option B, ignoring the argument, could lead to an escalation of the conflict and hinder the intake assessment. Options C and D, siding with either the parent or the child, could damage the professional relationship with one of the parties and is not conducive to an unbiased intake process.