Child Protective Services (CPS) is a state intervention agency
mandated to investigate allegations of child abuse and/or neglect. The Virginia
Department of Social Services operates a statewide CPS hotline 24 hours a day,
seven days per week to receive reports of child abuse and neglect and refer them
to the appropriate local department of social services for
investigation.
Anyone may report suspected child maltreatment and callers
will only be asked information about the alleged victim, perpetrator and others
having knowledge about the suspected abuse or neglect. All reports trigger an
investigation by the local CPS social worker, who will investigate and make an
assessment about the child's immediate safety and family's needs.
The
hotline numbers are:
Hotline (instate): (800) 552-7096
Hotline
(out-of-state): (804) 786-8536
Hotline (hearing-impaired): (800) 828-1120
Additionally, hotline staff may provide general information and
educational materials about child abuse or neglect to callers from the general
public, child care providers, school educators and medical professionals on
recognizing and reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. Staff are also
trained to provide crisis counseling and intervention if needed, as well to
provide information and referral assistance for individuals to find prevention
programs and additional support in their areas. Areas of referral include child
abuse prevention programs, mental health, retardation and substance abuse
services, and youth emergency shelters and local programs providing for
emergency needs.