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CHILD Protective services

Child Protective Services (CPS)

Child Protective Services (CPS) works to protect the safety and well-being of children while supporting and strengthening families whenever possible. CPS recognizes that family situations can be complex and emotionally challenging, and every effort is made to keep the focus on the best interests of the child.

CPS partners with parents, caregivers, and community agencies to promote child safety, prevent harm, and help families access services that support long-term stability.

What Is Child Protective Services?

Child Protective Services operates under the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) and is authorized by §63.2-1500 et seq. of the Code of Virginia to respond to reports of suspected child abuse or neglect.

Local departments of social services are legally required to:

  • Respond to valid reports of suspected child abuse or neglect

  • Assess child safety

  • Support and strengthen families whenever possible

  • Facilitate services to ensure children’s safety

  • Help prevent future abuse or neglect

What Is Child Abuse or Neglect?

Virginia law defines an abused or neglected child as any child under 18 whose parent, guardian, or other person responsible for care:

  • Causes or threatens to cause non-accidental physical or mental injury

  • Causes injury related to the manufacture or sale of certain illegal drugs

  • Fails to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, supervision, emotional nurturing, or health care

  • Abandons the child

  • Commits or allows illegal sexual acts, including sexual exploitation or exposure

  • Knowingly leaves a child with an unrelated person required to register as a violent sexual offender

A child is also considered abused or neglected if they are identified as a victim of sex trafficking.

Additionally, healthcare providers are required to report to CPS when a newborn is affected by substance exposure or withdrawal due to drug or alcohol use during pregnancy.

Use THIS RESOURCE to help recognize child abuse.

Why Has a CPS Worker Contacted Me?

You have been contacted because CPS received a report expressing concern about the safety or well-being of a child in your care. Being contacted does not automatically mean wrongdoing has occurred.

Why Are Reports Made?

The purpose of reporting is to identify potential child safety concerns as early as possible so they can be addressed. Reports may be made when someone notices signs such as:

  • Unexplained or concerning injuries

  • Young children left unsupervised

  • Unmet medical or health needs

  • Chronic hunger or signs of malnutrition

  • Exposure to domestic violence

Who Made the Report?

Anyone may make a report of suspected child abuse or neglect. Some professionals who work with children are mandated reporters and are legally required to report concerns immediately.

Reports may be made anonymously. Due to confidentiality laws, the identity of the reporter is not disclosed unless ordered by a court.

What Happens After a Report Is Made?

CPS responds to valid reports by conducting either a Family Assessment or a Formal Investigation. Both approaches are designed to:

  • Assess child safety

  • Support families whenever possible

  • Prevent future maltreatment

Investigation Response

An investigation is required when there are immediate safety concerns or when mandated by law. Reports requiring investigation include:

  • Sexual abuse

  • Serious injury or death of a child

  • Hospitalization related to suspected abuse or neglect

  • Abandonment

  • Abuse occurring in schools, child care, foster care, or other out-of-home settings

During an Investigation

The CPS worker may:

  • Interview children, parents, caregivers, and alleged perpetrators

  • Conduct safety and risk assessments

  • Observe injuries or living conditions

  • Coordinate with law enforcement when necessary

  • Arrange services to support child safety

Investigations must generally be completed within 45–60 days, though some cases may extend to 90 days when law enforcement is involved.

Family Assessment Response

A family assessment is used when:

  • The report is valid but not legally required to be investigated

  • There is no immediate safety threat

  • The family may benefit from services

During a Family Assessment

The CPS worker may:

  • Meet with parents, caregivers, and children

  • Assess child safety and family needs

  • Observe the home environment

  • Review prior CPS history

  • Develop a safety plan if needed

  • Connect the family with supportive services

Family assessments must be completed within 45–60 days of the report.

Speaking With or Examining a Child

Virginia law allows CPS workers to:

  • Interview children and siblings without parental consent

  • Observe and document injuries

  • Take photographs or arrange medical evaluations, including X-rays, when necessary

Parents or caregivers will be notified as soon as possible when interviews occur without prior notice.

Will My Child Be Removed From the Home?

In most cases, CPS works to keep children safely in their own homes. Removal is considered only when a child’s safety cannot be assured. Alternatives may include:

  • A safety plan within the home

  • Temporary placement with relatives

  • Foster care, when required by the court

Your Rights During CPS Involvement

Parents and caregivers have the right to:

  • Written notice of CPS involvement

  • Meet with the CPS worker and ask questions

  • Accept or decline services

  • Appeal founded findings

  • Record communications (with notice to all parties)

Investigation Findings

Unfounded Disposition

An unfounded finding means the evidence did not support abuse or neglect. Records are retained confidentially for a limited time as required by law.

Founded Disposition

A founded finding means there is sufficient evidence that abuse or neglect occurred. Records are maintained in the Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry for a period determined by law.

Appeals Process

If you disagree with CPS findings, you may request an appeal within 30 calendar days of receiving written notice. CPS staff will provide written instructions outlining the appeal process and next steps.

Family Services and Support

CPS may help connect families to:

  • Counseling and mental health services

  • Parenting education and support groups

  • Substance abuse treatment

  • Child care and community programs

Participation in services is voluntary unless ordered by the court.