Child Protective Services

About Child Abuse and Neglect

Child Protective Services (CPS) strives to ensure safe, permanent, nurturing families for children by protecting them from abuse and neglect while attempting to preserve the family unit.

CPS helps prevent further harm to children from intentional physical or mental injury, sexual abuse, exploitation or neglect by a person responsible for a child's health or welfare.

CPS also protects children who have no parent, guardian or custodian to provide care and supervision, or whose parents, guardians or custodian are unable to provide care or supervision and lacks an appropriate alternative child care arrangement.

CPS staff accomplish these services through:

  • Assessing suspected cases of abuse and neglect
  • Assisting the family in identifying the problem
  • Providing in-home counseling and supportive services to help children stay at safety home with their families
  • Coordinating community and agency services for the family
  • Petitioning the court for removal of the child, if necessary
  • Providing public information about child abuse, neglect and dependency

People who suspect a child is being abused or neglected should contact their local county Department of Social Services.

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