The Dept of Social Services is required by
law to establish and maintain a local Child Protective Services (CPS) Unit
within the Department of Social Services.
CPS is responsible for receiving and investigating all reports of child
abuse and neglect. In addition, upon completion of the
investigation, CPS has the responsibility to protect a child’s welfare and
to preserve and stabilize the family unit whenever possible. When
abusive and neglectful families are unwilling or unable to accept and
benefit from supportive services, CPS has a responsibility to initiate
Family court proceedings to protect the children.
Reports of child suspected abuse and/or neglect are initially received by
the State Central Registry (SCR),
more commonly referred to as the
“hotline.” Reports are then transmitted to the local district and
are received on-line through a statewide computer network known as
CONNECTIONS. During non-working hours to include weekends and
holidays, these reports are manually received by an on-call worker, per a
mandate that requires 24-hour coverage. Caseworkers are required by
law to initiate an investigation within 24 hours of receipt of the report.
Caseworkers must interview all children living in the household, interview
all persons named in the report, interview collateral contacts provided by
the parents, and assess the environment in which the children reside.
The course of an investigation cannot exceed a 60-day timeframe from the
receipt of the report. At the conclusion of the investigation, the
caseworker must make a determination of “indicated” or “unfounded” based
on criteria set forth regarding the minimum degree of care standard as
well as the standard that some credible evidence
exists.
To
Make a report of suspected Child Abuse or
Maltreatment, call toll free 1-800-342-3720.
