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CPS Investigations can be intrusive, intimidating and have long-lasting effects on a family. The law allows CPS to come in your home and threaten to take your children based on a complaint of abuse. You may also face criminal charges. You have rights, protect yourself! If contacted by CPS or the police alleging abuse call 757-379-8510 to reach an experienced CPS defense attorney now.
Common Reasons for Child Protective Services Investigations
Child protective services receive an estimated 3.3 million referrals annually involving the alleged maltreatment of children; three-fifths of these reports are made by teachers, law enforcement, legal personnel, and social services staff. With all of these referrals, the question stands, what constitutes a visit from child protective services?
Neglect
Neglect is by far the most reported form of mistreatment, as neglect reports make up 78.3% of all CPS reports. Negligence is a failure to act or perform a service that puts a child in harm’s way.
Examples of neglect include:
- Failure to enact proper hygiene for a child
- Failure to feed a child
- Failure to supervise, pick up, or drop off child at appointments
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is the next most reported reason for child protective services investigations, as they make up 17.6% of all reports. Physical abuse reports typically stem from bruises/cuts on a child’s arms, legs, and other parts of the body. As teachers are the ones who interact with kids the most, they are typically the ones who call CPS on a child they suspect to be abused.
Examples of physical abuse include:
- Beating
- Cutting
- Burning
Sexual Abuse
After physical abuse, the next most common report is sexual abuse. Sexual abuse reports make up 9% of all reports. As it is impossible for sexual abuse to be recognized by another person, many sexual abuse cases are instigated by a conversation between the abused and a trusted adult.
Child protective services perform many functions, but many reports are made erroneously. Bumps and bruises can be mistaken for physical abuse, and an emergency situation can make it seem like a child is a sufferer of parental neglect. If you or a loved one have been accused of any of these crimes, you should contact JRLaw for a free case evaluation.
Is CPS investigating your home? Call (757) 447-0080 now to talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney.