Child Welfare 101

DFCS' involvement with a family typically starts with Child Protective Services (CPS).  The CPS program receives, investigates and assesses reports of child abuse and neglect . (Read the CPS Parent Guide) 

CPS offers services after investigations if children are not immediately safe from abuse or neglect; or, a reasonable likelihood exists that children will be abused or neglected in the foreseeable future and families have demonstrated that they cannot control factors placing children at risk of abuse or neglect. 

If needed, services are offered to parents that help them to increase child safety. Services may include: counseling, parenting classes, homemaker evaluation and treatment, daycare or other services.  Placement in foster care is a last resort to protect them from harm. When children are removed, the caseworker meets with the family to develop a case plan that addresses visitation, child support, rehabilitative services, any court ordered provisions, and the return of the child to the home when it is safe. 

If a child is in immediate danger, call the police immediately.

In all other cases, reports should be made to the DFCS office in the county where the child lives.  People who call to report suspected abuse do not have to be sure maltreatment has occurred. They simply report what they have seen or heard. The authorities will investigate and confirm whether or not abuse has occurred. People who call are asked to give the name and location of the child and the name of the suspected perpetrator. Reports are confidential and those who call do not have to give their name. However, it is most helpful to the child in the long run if the reporter is willing to give his or her name and address and, if necessary, testify in court.

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