Child Protective Services

These services are legally mandated for county departments of social services to provide protective services for juveniles alleged to be abused, neglected, or dependent. Protective services includes receiving and screening reports of abuse, neglect, and dependency; making a prompt and thorough investigation to ascertain the facts of the situation, the extent of the injury or condition resulting from abuse, neglect, or dependency, and the risk of harm to the child to determine whether protective services are required or a petition should be initiated; provide services to permit removal of children from their homes and strengthen family life; and invoke the jurisdiction of the juvenile court for the child(ren)'s removal and placement in a safe home (relatives or foster care) if children are at risk of harm.