What is Child Protective Services (CPS)?

Child Protective Services (CPS) is a specialized part of the child welfare system. It
focuses on families in which a child has been identified as a victim of or in danger
of child abuse or neglect. This also may be called child maltreatment. State laws
require child protective services agencies to do the following:
• take reports from people who believe a child has been abused or neglected
• find out if abuse or neglect has taken place
• ensure that there is a plan in place to keep children safe
• provide services to families to ensure their children’s safety