neglect or abuse. The case worker will
begin to ask you a series of questions,
from a structured interview form. Be sure to get the CPS worker’s name
and the case number so you can verify
your report, if needed.
The purpose of the structured interview
is to ensure the conversation covers
key subjects. Your goal is to answer
the questions as best you can. Don’t
be alarmed if your answer to some of
the questions is “I don’t know.” You are
simply giving CPS the information you
have as a starting place for them to
vet the concern. If the Report Is Accepted for
Investigation
These forms are divided into
categories: physical abuse, sexual
abuse, emotional abuse, substance
abuse, abandonment, etc. Don’t let it
unsettle you that some of the questions
explore areas that are not relevant to
the situation you are reporting. CPS is
just following protocol.
After the Phone Call
After a report is received, the CPS
worker you spoke with will talk to their
supervisor to decide whether the report
will be accepted for assessment. This
means two case workers must deem
the case worthy of further investigation
in order for action to be taken. Even if
CPS does not accept your report for
investigation, this does not mean it
was wrong or unwise for you to make
the report.
As the reporter, you should know that
your identity is anonymous. CPS will
not reveal any identifying information
about you in their investigation.
However, CPS will tell the family what
the allegations are and use exact
phrases from their report during their
interviews.
When CPS begins their assessment
with families they take one of two
approaches.
1. An investigative assessment is the
response that involves a clear risk of
serious harm to the child. Investigative
a s s e s s m e n t s a re o f t e n d o n e i n
collaboration with law enforcement.
2. The more frequent approach CPS
uses is a family assessment approach.
This approach is used for lower risk
situations that still merit investigation.
In this approach, the first contact
with the family is typically to call and
schedule a time to meet with them.
Step One: Safety Plan
After CPS initiates a case, they typically
discuss concerns with the family and
put into place a safety plan. This is
a signed agreement with the family
about how they will ensure the safety
of the child. Also, at this time, CPS will
attempt to connect the family with
resources relevant to family’s needs.
This is an area where the church can
be an immense asset. Ask to see
the safety plan, because children or
student ministry leaders may need to
be informed of limitations on who can
pick up the children. Offer to help with
childcare, supervised visitation, or
other ways of ensuring family safety.
Solutions • 15