Child
Protective Services
Since
the enactment of
Virginia’s child abuse
and neglect statues in 1975, all valid reports of suspected child abuse
and neglect have been investigated by CPS. This
singular response focused resources on investigating the reported
incident, i.e., gathering the facts to determine if abuse or neglect
occurred, identifying persons responsible, and determining the risk of
future maltreatment.
The
Differential Response System now allows localities flexibility in responding
to reports of abuse and neglect taking into consideration the severity of
the report, immediacy of child safety concerns, and family needs.
The alternative response to an investigation is a family assessment
that focuses resources on conducting a child safety and family needs
assessment, building upon family strengths, and providing needed services.
Valid reports are thus assigned to receive an
Investigation or a
Family Assessment Response.
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