If I call CPS

[Anonymous]

Will the person I call about ever know who called?

How does calling CPS work. What type of information do the need?

TIA

[Anonymous]

Just call with whatever information you have. Typically they need name and address, but not always. They don't go barging in and knocking down doors based on one call, they take that information and decide to move forward, or not, and how.

In my experience, they don't disclose who called unless it goes to court. Which it rarely does. But you can call and try to make the call anonymously. Just call and talk to the staff at the hotline for your state. They are all staffed 24/7.

[Anonymous]

OP, every single call to CPS - no matter how "minimal", has to be followed up with an in home interview, including the children. The school records are also checked, to make sure the children are in school, as per law. It would be relatively easy to find out who reported; and the person you reported can proceed against you, if the report is unfounded.

Unless you know for absolute certain that the child is in imminent danger, you need to think twice.

I have posted here before. My neighbor (A) showed me the exact CPS documentation she received from another neighbor (B) having called. (B) called CPS because the child (A) was not wearing a helmet in their own driveway. I would not have believed it, had I not seen the official documentation myself, with my own eyes. It happens. (A) knew who reported (A), and I think (A) might have proceeded forward against (B) (not sure if it is through CPS or through the courts), but I am not certain, and did not want to press further.

The answer to your question is yes.

[Anonymous]

CPS assumes you *genuinely* have the interest of the children in mind when you are calling.

[Anonymous]

http://cfsa.dc.gov/node/506472

I'm a mandated reporter and have made many reports. They are very good about NOT telling the family who called (they used to not be so great but in the past few years have improved 100%).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:http://cfsa.dc.gov/node/506472

I'm a mandated reporter and have made many reports. They are very good about NOT telling the family who called (they used to not be so great but in the past few years have improved 100%).

They do not tell a person who called, but it is VERY easy to determine who it was. Most people, even mandated reporters, do not know this - and mandated reporters very likely are treated differently than Nosy Nellie who hates children (or whatever random chip on her shoulder). Presumably, mandated reporters have a vested interest in doing the right thing, not to mention behaving in a professional manner, where the latter does not.

I have a CPS attorney in my family.

[Anonymous]

OP, are you referring to D.C.? Or another jurisdiction?

[Anonymous]

Are you a mandated reporter, OP?

[Anonymous]

I tried to report something to CPS in Montgomery County. They wanted my name and phone number which was fine with me. I decided not to report it because while they wouldn't give the parent involved my name, they would have to describe the situation in which it occurred. It would have been obvious who could have reported it. I wear a name badge and I have no idea if he noticed it, but I did not want him to have any personal information about me.

It is really tough to see something bad happen to a child and not report it because of fear of personal safety.

This was ten years ago and I still am horrified.

[Anonymous]

This was 15 years ago, in Albermarle County, so this anecdote might not be helpful in a different time and place.

As a mandated reported, I was forced to call CPS after three sessions with my 17 year old client. They came, did interviews, and left with no follow-up. The girl was beaten and raped afterwards. Still haunts me to this day, and why I left counseling. I lost all faith in both CPS and the judicial system.

[Anonymous]

OP, if you are considering making a false claim, to get some type of "revenge" on the parents I implore you not to.

Not out of consideration of the parents--I'm sure you have a valid reason for wanting revenge.

But out of consideration for their children, who will go through a lot of stress during the investigation.

Out of consideration for the caseworker, who is likely already overloaded and stressed.

Out of the consideration for other children who ARE being abused, and DO need the attention of the case worker--but will now get less of her time because she is busy looking into a false claim.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, if you are considering making a false claim, to get some type of "revenge" on the parents I implore you not to.

Not out of consideration of the parents--I'm sure you have a valid reason for wanting revenge.

But out of consideration for their children, who will go through a lot of stress during the investigation.

Out of consideration for the caseworker, who is likely already overloaded and stressed.

Out of the consideration for other children who ARE being abused, and DO need the attention of the case worker--but will now get less of her time because she is busy looking into a false claim.

+1

There are plenty of other means, without involving the children, who could suffer ramifications you did not intend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just call with whatever information you have. Typically they need name and address, but not always. They don't go barging in and knocking down doors based on one call, they take that information and decide to move forward, or not, and how.

In my experience, they don't disclose who called unless it goes to court. Which it rarely does. But you can call and try to make the call anonymously. Just call and talk to the staff at the hotline for your state. They are all staffed 24/7.

Yes they do.

[Anonymous]

Where do you live? I only see this on TV...

[Anonymous]

CPS has to respons in person to every call; which means CPS has to interview every member of that household, to ensure nothing is wrong.