CA14

  • Click on or copy and paste the link on the link below to view a video of what a call to CPS entails.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ReWduF6NZA
  • The CPS specialist who responds to your call is prepared to assist you through the reporting process.
  • As a mandated reporter, you need to be prepared to articulate your concerns in a clear and concise manner.
  • It is important for you to prepare before you make the call so you will have information readily available when the CPS specialist asks you to provide it.
  • A useful tool you can use to organize your information is the LDSS-2221-A form.  Gathering information on this form and then using it while making the call may be helpful for you.

 

  • Ask yourself the following questions while preparing your information:
    • What is the role of the parent (or the person legally responsible)?
    • What information can you provide to show who is responsible?
    • Is this situation part of an ongoing pattern?
    • Where is the child now?
    • Do you know anything about the child’s siblings?
    • Does the child have any special needs? What are these needs?
    • Is an interpreter needed?
    • Is the child on any medications?
    • Do you know of any related issues that could be helpful for the local caseworker to know?
    • Are there personal safety issues for the local CPS caseworker (dogs, guns in the home, etc.)?
    • When can you, as a mandated reporter, be reached? A phone number or beeper number (especially after hours) is most helpful for the local CPS staff.
  • Explain to the CPS specialist what your suspicions or concerns are relative to the child who has come to your attention.  Explain whether the child has been subjected to harm and why.
  • Some identifying information is required.  The local CPS agency will need some way to be able to locate the child.
  • REMINDER: Use the LDSS-2221A form to gather information, and then use it as a tool to organize your information while making the call.

 

  • If the report you make is registered by the CPS specialist, be sure to ask for the call identification number assigned to your report, as well as the full name of the CPS specialist you are speaking with.
  • You can request a “Summary of Findings”  – brief document of the investigation outcome.
  • Not all reports will automatically be registered – the reason for their decision should be clearly explained
  • If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your interview with the CPS specialist, be sure to ask to speak with a supervisor.
  • Supervisors are on duty at the SCR around the clock and can be very helpful in clarifying issues and reviewing decisions whenever this is necessary.