Children
Child Protective Services
Do You Suspect Child Abuse or Maltreatment? Call the NYS Hotline at 1-800-342-3720.
If you believe that a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
Child Protective Services (CPS) is responsible for investigating reports of suspected child abuse or maltreatment in family settings. Safety (the likelihood of immediate danger of serious harm) is the primary focus, as well as an assessment of the entire circumstances of the identified child and any other children in the household.
If the family or caseworker identifies areas where additional assistance is needed, referrals are made for the family to community agencies. Sometimes specialized services through DSS are needed and the family is referred to Preventive Services. These caseworkers partner with families to address identified issues, to assist families in crisis, and attempt to keep children safely at home with their families whenever possible.
When a child cannot be maintained safely in their own home, they may be placed in Foster Care. The caseworker then works with the family to address the issues that brought the child into foster care, while at the same time helping the family to identify any extended family or friends who may be able to care for the child. The goal is to get the child safely home with family as quickly as possible.
Beneficios para los cuidadores que no son los padres del niño