- Human Services Agency
- Children's Services
- Child Protective Services
- What is Child Abuse & Neglect
- Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect
- Child Protective Service FAQs
- Is there a Court process guide?
- What is child abuse and neglect?
- What happens during a CPS investigation?
- What are the possible outcomes of a CPS investigation?
- Is discipline considered abuse?
- What happens if my child is placed into protective custody?
- Can I see my child if he or she is in protective custody?
- When & where can I get a lawyer if my child is taken into protective custody?
- What is a Protective Custody Hearing?
- What is an Adjudicatory Hearing?
- What is an Evidentiary Hearing?
- What is a Dispositional Hearing?
- What is a Multidisciplinary Team Meeting (MDT)?
- What is a Review Hearing?
- What is a Permanency Hearing?
- How do I get my child back from protective custody?
- How much time do I have to get my child back from protective custody?
- Are you of Native American descent?
- What can I do if I disagree with my social worker?
- What is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)?
- What is Child Protective Services?
- How did CPS hear about me?
- Foster Care Services
- Family Engagement Center
- Adoption Services
- Child and Family Team Meetings
- Infant Safe Sleep
- Independent Living
- Clinical Services
- Boards & Committees
- Other Resources
- Policies
- Out-of-State Placement Reporting Pursuant to A.B. 298
- Statistics
- Child Protective Services
- Adult Services
- Senior Services
- Housing and Homeless Services
- Human Services Resource Guide
- Contact Us
- Community Outreach
- Case Worker Recruitment
- Thank You
What are the possible outcomes of a CPS investigation?
After the investigation is complete, CPS must determine if abuse or neglect occurred and how to address the problem. Here are the possibilities:
- CPS may decide that abuse or neglect has not occurred ("unsubstantiated"). The case may be closed without further intervention.
- CPS may decide that abuse or neglect has not occurred ("unsubstantiated"), but the family is in need of services. With parent approval, the case is kept open for voluntary services.
- CPS may decide that abuse or neglect occurred (substantiation). Several things can happen depending on the child`s safety:
- If the child can remain safely in the home without court involvement, the parent(s) or guardian(s) will be asked to participate in a case plan and a safety plan.
- If the child`s safety requires court involvement, CPS will place your child into protective custody. The parent(s) or guardian(s) will be required to participate in a case plan.