The King George Child Protective Services Program is designed to
protect the safety of children who are being abused or neglected. The CPS Worker
is charged with investigating allegations of suspected mental/physical/sexual
abuse as defined by State policy. Reports of suspected abuse can be made
anonymously. The Intake Social Worker will take reports of alleged abuse during
normal working hours. The number to call is 775-3544. If you wish to make a
report anytime outside of normal working hours, the caller can call the State
Abuse Hotline at 1-800-552-7096 and they will notify the agency Social
Worker.
Where allegations of abuse meet the State established criteria
for a valid complaint, and they rise to the level of an investigation, an
investigation will be opened. Where complaints do not rise to the level of an
investigation but still meet the State criteria for a valid complaint, the
matter will be approached directly with the family using the Differential
Response System. This system is designed to provide specific services that to
help to resolve the problem the family is having.
The Agency takes all
complaints of abuse/neglect seriously and will respond accordingly. Where
criminal actions may have taken place, the King George Department of Social
Services will report and work with the King George Sheriff's Department to
complete the investigation. Complaints that are made maliciously will be
reported to the Commonwealth's Attorney for action.
Support
Groups: The King George Department of Social Services can make
appropriate referrals to support groups in the local community. The
Rappahannock Area Council for Child Abuse Prevention currently sponsors five
Parent HELP parent support groups in the local communities in the area.