Child Protective Services

The Washoe County Human Services Agency’s (HSA) Child Protective Services (CPS) is required by Nevada law to investigate reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. The focus of CPS is to protect children from harm and to make sure that children live in safe environments. Actions taken by HSA are determined by the family`s situation and efforts are made to help families overcome problems. However, in some circumstances, a child may be at risk and must be removed from their homes to ensure their safety.
 
Any legal action taken by HSA takes place in Family Court as a civil matter, not a criminal matter. The Police Department may investigate child abuse and neglect but this is a separate process from a CPS investigation. The police and the criminal division of the District Attorney`s Office make the decision to arrest or file criminal charges, not HSA.

 

WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT	HOW TO MAKE A REPORT