Florida Child Welfare Case Manager Certification Practice Exam

What is MOST important for a counselor to remember when interviewing children?

1. To use complex vocabulary to test the child's intellect

2. To have parents present at all times during the interview

3. That young children's language tends to be concrete

4. To focus primarily on the child's demeanor rather than their words

The correct answer is: That young children's language tends to be concrete

It is most important for a counselor to remember that young children's language tends to be concrete when interviewing them. This means that they may have difficulty with abstract concepts and will often respond better to simple and direct questions. It is important for the counselor to use age-appropriate language and avoid using complex vocabulary that may be confusing to the child. Options A and B are incorrect because they both involve methods that may hinder effective communication with the child. Option A may make the child feel overwhelmed or inadequate, while option B may cause them to feel like they are being judged or corrected by their parents. Option D is incorrect because focusing solely on the child's demeanor may cause the counselor to overlook important information that the child is trying to communicate through their words.