What is Child Protective Services?

Answer 1

Child protective services (CPS) is a state allocated organization that helps if someone feels children are in trouble or a parent needs additional help in or out of home to make their children safe. They offer services including but not limited to: foster care, in home visits, enhancing parenting skill expertise, support groups, investigating on reports of neglect or abuse and child safety-this can include physical, emotional or mental (as needed). Upon referral they mark referrals as "screened in" or screened out" dependent on severity of the referral. When someone is "screened out", CPS then refers to communities programs in the area. When someone is "screened in" most agencies now will do a "traditional response" or an "alternative response". Traditional response means they do an comprehensive assessment to determine if the (often serious) allegations during the referral are true and often times works with the court system to devise a plan. This response does not need parent approval prior to speaking to children. Alternative response still includes a comprehensive assessment but they work with the parents, receiving consent to talk to the children to create a safety plan utilizing formal and informal supports to protect children without additional CPS intervention.