Child Protective Services

Virginia law, Chapter 12.1, Section 63.1-248 requires social services departments to investigate all suspected reports of abuse and neglect. Protective services is a specialized continuum of casework services to abused, neglected or exploited children and families. The focus of the service is identification, assessment and service provision in an effort to protect children, preserve families and prevent further maltreatment. Child Protective Services is non-punitive in its approach and is directed toward enabling families to provide adequate care and nurturing for their children. If this is not possible,, then alternative plans for protection may be necessary.

Certain individuals are mandated reporters if they learn of abuse or neglect in their professional capacity. Mandated reporters include doctors, hospital residents or interns, nurses, social workers, probation officers, teaches in public and private schools, child care provider, mental health professionals, law enforcement officers, institutional staff, any mediator eligible to receive court referrals and any person associated with or employed by any private organization responsible for the care, custody or control of children.

Anyone who suspects that children are being abused or neglected may call anonumously to the local (926-6600) or statewide toll-free Hot Lines (1-800-552-7096) which are answerable 24 hours a day, seven days a week. After the call is received a worker will evaluate the information and make a decision whether the complaint is valid. In order for the complaint to be valid the following criteria must be met:

1. The child/children must be under the age of 18 at the time of the complaint
2. The alleged abuser must be the child's parent or other person responsible for his/her care
3. The local department receiving the report must be an agency of jurisdiction
4. The circumstances described must allege suspected physical abuse or neglect as defined by policy

The definitions of abuse and neglect include physical abuse, physical neglect, medical neglect, failure to thrive, mental abuse/neglect, sexual abuse, educational neglect and bizarre discipline.

If accepted for investigation the worker has 45-60 days to complete the investigation and arrive at a finding. In order for the complaint to be Founded a worker must have clear and convincing evidence that abuse and neglect has occured. If this evidence cannot be established the complaint is classified as Unfounded. An assessment of needs is completed and, if indicated, services are provided to the child and family.