Child Protective Services

The goal of Child Protective Services (CPS) is to identify, assess and provide services to children and families in an effort to protect children, preserve families, whenever possible, and prevent further maltreatment. Child Protective Services is non-punitive in its approach and is directed toward enabling families to provide adequate care for their children.

Local Departments of Social Services are responsible for receiving reports of abuse and neglect; conducting investigations to determine the validity of the CPS reports and providing services that enhance child safety and prevent further abuse and neglect to families and children.

The Virginia Department of Social Services operates a statewide Child Protective Services (CPS) Hotline 24 hours per day, every day to support local Departments of Social Services by receiving reports of child abuse and neglect and referring them to the appropriate local department of social services. The CPS Hotline is staffed by trained Protective Service Hotline Specialists.

CPS Hotline staff may provide general information and educational materials about child abuse or neglect to callers from the general public, child care providers, school educators, and medical professionals on recognizing and reporting suspected child abuse or neglect.