Individual Practice SWES Practice Test

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What should an intake worker do first when a 14-year-old girl has run away and refuses to share details about her family?

Encourage the girl to discuss taboo subjects
Inform law enforcement about her status
Offer her immediate shelter and safety
Contact her parents for permission to help

The correct answer is: Encourage the girl to discuss taboo subjects

In the scenario presented, it is crucial for the intake worker to establish a trusting environment for the girl who has run away. The correct action focuses on encouraging her to share her feelings and experiences. This approach is essential because a 14-year-old girl in such a vulnerable position may be feeling scared, confused, or distrustful of adults, particularly in relation to her family dynamics. By fostering open dialogue and allowing her to discuss even the most sensitive or taboo subjects, the worker can help her feel safe and understood. This trust is foundational to gathering more information about her situation and ultimately guiding her towards appropriate support and resources. Establishing rapport in this nuanced situation takes precedence over other options. While informing law enforcement can be crucial in some contexts, it may impede her willingness to communicate openly in this particular moment. Offering immediate shelter and safety may not be feasible without knowing more context and might also trigger feelings of being controlled or overwhelmed. Contacting her parents for permission to help could further alienate her, as she has already expressed a need for independence and privacy by running away. Therefore, fostering an environment where she feels safe to communicate is the most effective first step.