parents guide to cps english - nevada division of child...

ChildtoGuideParentsServicesProtective

(CPS)

Nevada ofDepartmentServicesHumanandHealth

ofDivision Family&ChildServices

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INTRODUCTION

This brochure has been prepared to help parentsunderstand what to expect if they are involved in achild protective service case.

The Child Protective Services (CPS) agency isrequired by Nevada Revised Statute (NRS),Chapter 432B, to investigate reports ofsuspected child abuse and neglect. Thepurpose of the agency Is to protect children, toprevent further abuse and neglect, and topreserve families whenever possIble. Thepublic child welfare agency’s goal is to keepchildren safe In their own homes or place themin out-of-home care when they cannot safelyremain with their parents. Anyone can reportsuspected child abuse or neglect to the localchild welfare agency or to the police.

The CPS case manager (in some cases a socialworker) will assess the report and whereneeded, work with you and your family toprovide needed services. Throughout thisbrochure, when referring to your child, this mayalso mean your children if you have more thanone.

HOW DID CPS HEAR ABOUT ME?

NRS 432B.220 requires certain persons(mandated reporters) to make a report with CPS orthe police if they know or believe a child is beingabused or neglected. People from the communitymay also report concerns of child abuse.

If a case manager has contacted you, it is becauseCPS received a report indicating that your childmay not be receiving proper care or s possiblybeing abused or neglected.

NRS 432B.260 does not allow the child welfareagency to release the name of the person whoreported the abuse and neglect concerns.

WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT?

PHYSICAL ABUSE: Injury to a child which is non-accidental. Such injuries include bruises, bites,burns, and/or broken bones. An injury is non-accidental if it is reasonably foreseeable, eventhough it was not intended.

SEXUAL ABUSE or EXPLOITATION: Engagingin sexual activity with a child, including fondlingand lewdness, or encouraging or allowing a childto view pornographic material, engage inprostitut on, or engaging in child pomography.

MENTAL INJURY: Injury to a child’s intellectualor psychological capacity or emotional conditioncausing the child’s normal range of performance orbehavior to be mpaired.

NEGLECT: Abandonment or failure to provide achild with proper care, control, or supervision,food, education, shelter, medical care, or othercare a child needs for his well-being. inability toprovide a child with proper care may involveparental substance abuse, mental health, andphysical health challenges or other factors.

WHAT HAPPENS DURINGA CI’S ASSESSMENT?

The case manager’s role is to:• Gather information about the reported abuse or

neglect.• Talk with your child.• Talk with parents, siblings, and all other

household members.• Observe the family home and how the family

interacts.• Learn about your family and help you

provide safety for your child.• Gather Information from other agencies about

your family, if necessary.• Speak with other persons who have Information

about your family concerning the safety of yourchild.

• Write an assessment that explains what wasdone and the information gathered.

WHAT RIGHT DOES CI’S HAVETO TALK WITH MY CHILD?

NRS 432B.270 authorizes the case manager tointerview a child about possible abuse or neglectwithout the consent of the parent or guardian. Thefirst contact is often with your child, without thepresence of a parent or guardian. The casemanager contacts parents as soon as possibleafter this interview.

DO I HAVE TO TALK TOTHE CI’S CASE MANAGER?

You do not have to talk with the case manager orallow the case manager into your home. However,this is your opportunity to give importantinformation about your child and your familysituation that may affect the outcome of theassessment. If the case manager believes yourchild is in immediate danger, law enforcement maybe involved to help assess the safety of your child.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTERTHE CPS ASSESSMENT

• Within 45 days of beginning the assessment,the case manager must decide if abuse orneglect has occurred.

• If the case manager finds that your child issafe, the case is closed. Your family may bereferred for other services, if necessary.

• If the case manager finds that your child isunsafe, the case manager will work with you toestablish a safety plan and services will beprovided to assist in reducing any safetythreats that exist. Your child may be removedfrom your care until the safety threat isaddressed,

• The case manager will notify you in writing ofthe results of the case assessment.