Child Protective Services' Emergency Response Program operates the 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline (916-875-KIDS). Through this hotline, staff members receive confidential reports of suspected child abuse or neglect. Reports are investigated to determine if the child's health or safety are at risk.
The Emergency Response Program:
Investigates complaints of child abuse and/or neglect
Determines the family's need for services
Makes referrals to other CPS programs and/or community programs
Continues an ongoing investigation after the removal of a child
Initiates Juvenile Court proceedings for the protection of a child when necessary
Determines if the child can be safely returned home with an appropriate safety plan in place
Prepares reports for the Juvenile Court
Informal Supervision
Informal Supervision provides intensive services to children and their families in lieu of filing a petition in Juvenile Court per Welfare and Institutions Code 301(a). The goal is to protect children from being subjected to further neglect or abuse, but also preventing traumatic consequences for children and families of separation and out-of-home placement. Informal Supervision is the gateway to Early Intensive Family Drug Court (EIFDC) and provides aftercare services to clients leaving the program. Length of services may vary between six to twelve months, oftentimes based upon clients’ graduation date from EIFDC. The focus children for this program are 0-5 years of age. Services offered may include, but are not limited to, case management, counseling, emergency shelter, respite care, teaching and demonstrating parenting skills, AOD testing, AOD services, mental health, parent coaching, PHN support / assessments, and transportation.
