Child Protective Services
Child Protective Services (CPS) responds to allegations of maltreatment by parents, family members, and primary caregivers. Anyone can report suspected child abuse and/or neglect to the ACCESS worker during business hours. Mandated reporters are required by law to report suspected child abuse/or negelct to a county or law enforcement. WI DCF Mandated Child Abuse and Neglect Reports F & Q During non-business hours, in the event of current suspicion of abuse, reports can be made to the local law enforcement agency. The Department will make a determination if the information received is potential child abuse or neglect according to Wisconsin Statues Chapter 48, The Children's Code. If the report meets the definitions according to The Children's Code, the report will be screened-in for an investigation. The CPS worker has 60 days to complete their initial assessment and must be conducted in accordance to the Wisconsin Access and Initial Assessment Standards as provided by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
During an investigation, a CPS worker will:
- Assess the safety of children in the home
- Identify conditions in the home as well as behaviors and attitudes of parents and other family members that allow them to determine the risk of maltreatment
- Evaluate whether the family needs services in order to help change conditions related to the risk of maltreatment
- Provide referrals to community agencies who can provide help
- Respond to the immediate needs of the family
- If circumstances make it necessary, CPS will take action to ensure child safety, which could include removing the child from the home
The Initial Assessment will result in a determination of whether there was abuse or neglect (substantiated) or not (unsubstantiated) and whether services are needed to ensure child safety. The Department may work with the family either through voluntary or court-ordered CPS services. An Overview of the CPS Process
