Need some hand holding on reporting to CPS? If you believe a child is in danger or being mistreated and you want to report it to Child Protective Services (CPS), here are the steps you can take:
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Remember information: Make sure you have details about the child and the situation. This includes the child's name, age, address (if you know it), and any specific red flags you have witnessed or heard about from the child.
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Find the CPS contact information: Look up the phone number or website of your local CPS office. You can usually find this information by googling. If you're unsure, you can call the non-emergency number for your local police department or a helpline like the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD).
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Make the report: Contact CPS by phone or through their website, depending on the available options. When you speak with someone, explain that you would like to report a concern about a child's welfare. Provide all the relevant information you have, including the child's details and your observations.
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Be clear and specific: Clearly describe the incidents or behavior that led to your concern. It's important to provide as much detail as possible to help CPS understand the situation.
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Protect your identity (optional): You can choose to remain anonymous when making the report if you're worried about your identity being revealed. However, providing your contact information may be helpful if CPS needs to follow up with additional questions.
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Follow up if necessary: If you have more information or if the situation doesn't improve, consider following up with CPS. They may need additional details or updates to assist the child effectively.
Remember, reporting concerns to CPS is crucial for protecting children's well-being. Your report could help ensure that the child receives the support and protection they need.