Child Protective Services (CPS) is here to help when there are concerns about a child’s safety or well-being. CPS steps in to listen and respond to reports of possible abuse or neglect of children under 18. We work closely with families to understand their needs and connect them with the right support and services to create a safe and healthy home. If a child has been harmed or is at risk, CPS provides the care and resources needed to protect them and help families grow stronger together.
CPS workers in your local departments of social services:
Workers in Child Protective Services are called Family Services Specialists. They respond to CPS reports of abuse or neglect and may conduct either a family assessment or an investigation.
In Virginia, a child is considered “abused or neglected” when they are under 18 years of age, and a parent, guardian or other person responsible for the child’s care:
A child is also considered to be abused or neglected when they are under the age of 18 and have been identified as a victim of sex trafficking in the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing or soliciting of a person for a commercial sex act.
In some cases, newborns affected by substance abuse or experiencing withdrawal symptoms because of exposure to drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may also be considered abused or neglected. Health care providers are required to contact CPS in these cases.
Anyone can make a report of suspected child abuse or neglect. Certain professionals who work with children are required by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect immediately. The person making the report is not required to provide their name. Because of confidentiality laws, the name of the reporter will not be released unless there is a court order or during court testimony.
Why would someone make a report?
The purpose of reporting is to identify abused or neglected children as soon as possible so that the child’s safety and well-being can be addressed.
Some signs that people notice and may report to CPS include, but are not limited to:
What happens after a report is made?
CPS will respond to valid child abuse or neglect reports by conducting either a family assessment or an investigation response. The goals of both responses are to:
Learn the signs of child abuse and neglect and find clear guidance on how to safely and confidentially report your concerns.
A child abuse or neglect investigation is conducted when there are immediate child safety concerns or when the report is required by law to be investigated.
A family assessment is conducted when the CPS report is valid, but there is no immediate threat to the child's safety or well-being and the family may benefit from services.
There are special requirements when the alleged abuse or neglect may have been committed by a staff person in certain out-of-family settings.
Any individual who is found to have committed child abuse and/or neglect has the right to appeal.
Child Protective Services may be involved if a child is believed to be a victim of trafficking. They work with law enforcement and service providers to make sure the child is safe and receives specialized support.
Child Protective Services works within the program of Family Services to connect families with resources for a variety of safety concerns.
Find safety guidelines that help prevent child safety concerns.
Visit our reports page to access data on child abuse, neglect, and fatalities for your community or state organization.
Learn about our In-Home Services that are designed to help families facing serious challenges so children can remain safely in their homes, avoiding foster care whenever possible.
When disputes between adults put children at risk, Child Protective Services may be involved to protect the child and connect the family with resources.
If you think a child is being abused or neglected, call 911 for emergencies, contact your local department of social services or call the 24-hour Child Protective Services Hotline at (800) 552-7096.
Find my local department