Child Protective Services (CPS)

Child Protective Services (CPS) is a specific social service program provided by DHR to assist children believed to be neglected or abused by parents or other adults having permanent or temporary care or custody, or parental responsibility. The program also offers service to household or family members who may require intervention to decrease the risk of any continuing physical, sexual or mental abuse or neglect. The first priority of CPS is to safely maintain a child in their home and to protect the child from further harm and maltreatment. Where the caretaker is willing and able, through the provision of services or other assistance, to work toward maintaining safety for the child, no alternative placement is needed. Remaining safely at home or with family is always preferable to placement in foster care.
This calls for systems which are part of social protection, and extend beyond it. At the level of prevention, the system aims at supporting and strengthening families to reduce social exclusion, and to lower the risk of separation, violence and exploitation. Responsibilities are often spread across government agencies, with services delivered by local authorities, non-Sate providers, and community groups, making coordination between sectors and levels, including routine
They also arrange for children to live with kin or with foster families when they are not safe at home. They arrange for reunification whereby strength based approach comes in as parents are encouraged to visit their children in a company of a social worker who also strengthens the children throughout the visit. The children are prepared ahead of time before and also after the visit. This helps the bond stay strong from either side as both understand that there is support and hope for one