What Happens When You Call Child Services

by Elizabeth Dunn on April 01, 2013
author Elizabeth  Dunn

Elizabeth Dunn

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What Happens When You Call Child Services

Thankfully, most people will never have to call child services to report abuse or neglect of a child. If you do suspect a child is being abused, though, you may question how to get involved — or if you should. A child's safety is the most important thing to consider, so don't let your discomfort stop you from making the call.

You may be worried that the child's parents will be upset with your or that the child will get taken away unnecessarily. But if you don't call and there is abuse in the home, he'll suffer longer than necessary. If you get involved, a city's child services professional will decide whether to investigate or not — so leave it to the professionals, because that's what they're trained to do.

You don't need to have proof of abuse or neglect before you call, but you should have a suspicion or reasonable cause to report a case. For instance, maybe you saw something that didn't look right, or maybe the child said something that didn't sit well with you.

The representative will ask you several questions. You don't have to know the answers to all the questions, but the more information you can give, the more it helps them decide if they should investigate. They will likely ask the following questions:

1. Your relationship to the child
2. The child's name, address, and age
3. The suspected abuser's relationship to the child and their name
4. Name and contact information of the child's parents
5. The nature of the abuse and when it occurred
6. Where the child is currently residing
7. If the child is in immediate danger
8. If there are siblings in the home and in danger
9. Contact information of other witnesses

After someone calls in a report, the agency determines whether abuse has likely happened and if the child is in immediate danger. They also try to determine the motive of the alleged abuser and if there is someone else who can care for the child while they investigate.

The child may be removed from the home if he is in immediate danger. If he isn't, the case worker will create a plan to keep the child safe and help the parent get support. However, if the case worker suspects abuse, the court will evaluate the case and intervene if necessary.

Have you ever had to report someone? Share below in the comments section.

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