Child Protective Services (CPS)

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Child Protective Services (CPS) identifies, assesses, and provides services to children who have been abused or neglected and to their families. It is designed to preserve families whenever possible yet protect children and prevent further maltreatment.

How CPS Works

The CPS program responds to validated reports regarding possible child abuse or neglect. CPS is non-punitive in its approach and seeks to enable families to provide adequate care for their children. CPS utilizes a Differential Response System, which often indicates a Family Assessment process is appropriate. This process is strength-based and service-oriented.

The CPS unit also provides foster care prevention services to families referred by the community and by Court Order, and attempts outreach to prevent child abuse or neglect by addressing risk issues before they result in maltreatment of children.

How CPS Makes Decisions About a Child’s Safety

CPS in Albemarle County utilizes a research-based protocol, Structured Decision Making (SDM), to guide critical decisions during the life of a case, ensuring a greater level of consistency in decision making, and helping to prevent or reduce reoccurrence of child maltreatment.

Report Child Abuse and/or Neglect

Report Child Abuse Now

Anyone may report suspected child maltreatment to Albemarle County Department of Social Services by calling (434) 972-4010, Monday-Friday between the hours of 8am-4:30 pm.

If you are a mandated reporter you can also use the VaCPS Mandated Reporter Portal to submit your report Online Here.

After 5pm nights, weekends and holidays, call the statewide Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline toll-free at 800-552-7096 (in Virginia) or 804-786-8536 (Out-of-State). Language Interpretive Services are available.

Additional Information

For more information regarding Child Protective Services, please visit the Virginia Department of Social Services .

FAQs

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

Who is a mandated reporter?
Anyone can report child abuse and neglect, but Virginia Code legally requires certain professionals to report. A complete guide to mandated reporting can be found here.
What happens when I call the Child Protective Services (CPS) Hotline?
You will be connected to a Child Protective Services (CPS) Hotline worker who will ask questions to determine if the situation you're reporting requires further attention. If so, a CPS worker will respond to the situation.
Will the child be removed from the home?
A child is removed from the home only as a last resort. As defined in Virginia law, this would be when there is "imminent threat to the life or health of the child." In such cases, CPS workers do not act alone. They must have court approval to remove a child from a parent's custody. Usually, approval occurs before the child is removed; however, in extreme emergencies, the court may approve after the removal.
What happens to a child when they are removed from the home?
Every attempt is made to place the child with family members or relatives. If that is not possible, the child is placed in a temporary foster home.
Does CPS become involved in child custody or visitation disputes?
Child Protective Services becomes involved only when there is a legitimate complaint that a child is a victim of abuse or neglect by the child's caretaker (parent, guardian, etc.).
At what age can a child be left alone — and for how long?
Child Protective Services has published Child Supervision Guidelines. The guidelines provide information on when a child may be left unsupervised. Read our Child Supervision Guidelines (PDF) for specifics.
What types of abuse and neglect does CPS investigate?
Child Protective Services investigates suspected incidents of physical abuse and neglect, mental or emotional abuse, medical neglect, and sexual abuse by a child's caretaker (parent, guardian, etc.).
How are you able to work with people who do not speak English?
Language interpretation services are available, and some of our written materials are printed in other languages.
Where can I learn more about recognizing, reporting and preventing child abuse and neglect?
Visit Recognizing, Reporting, and Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect in Virginia for more information.