Child Protective Services
Westchester County Child Protective Services investigates reports of child abuse or maltreatment.
- Our job is to make sure children are safe and to prevent future abuse or neglect by helping families access support and preventive services.
- Our goal is to keep families together.
- If a child cannot be kept safe at home, placement of the child outside the home may be necessary. This can be voluntary or at the direction of a court.
Report Child Abuse
- NYS Child Abuse Hotline (General Public): (800) 342-3720
- NYS Mandated Reporter Hotline: (800) 635-1522
- If you believe that a child is in immediate danger, call: 911
Investigation Process
Westchester County Child Protective Services investigates reports within 24 hours of the report being referred from the NYS Central Register.
- The investigation will include:
- Interviews
- Observation
- Information gathering
- The purpose of the investigation is to:
- Protect the child
- Determine if the report is true or false
- Evaluate anything not reported
- Determine the services necessary to protect the child and reduce future risk
- The safety of all children in the home is evaluated, whether or not they are named in the report.
- If credible evidence of abuse or maltreatment exists, the report is termed "indicated" and the family is offered appropriate services.
- If NO credible evidence of abuse or maltreatment is found, the report is termed "unfounded" and sealed.
- The final decision must be made within 60 days.
- Child Protective Services (CPS) is required by law to notify you of the report in writing
- You are entitled to a copy of the report, but information about identity of the source and information about those who assisted in the investigation will be redacted if the release of that information might reasonably jeopardize their safety.
- If the report is unfounded, you will receive written notification from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
- If the report is indicated, you will receive written notification from us. This notice will also inform you of any right to appeal.
Child Maltreatment/Neglect
Neglect takes place when a parent who is financially able to meet a child’s health and safety needs, does not provide basic care such as food, clothing, shelter, education, medical care, medication or adequate supervision.
Signs may include:
- Obvious malnourishment, listlessness or fatigue
- Stealing or begging for food
- Poor personal hygiene, torn and/or dirty clothes
- Need for glasses, dental care or other medical attention
- Frequent absence from or tardiness to school
- Child inappropriately left unattended or without supervision
Child Abuse
Child abuse is when a parent or legally responsible caregiver inflicts serious physical injury, creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury or commits an act of sex abuse against the child.
A person who does these things to a child in their care can be abusive. So can a person who allows someone else to do these things to a child.
Signs may include:
- Injuries to the eyes or both sides of the head or body (accidental injuries typically affect only one side of the body)
- Frequently appearing injuries such as bruises, cuts and burns, especially if the child is unable to provide an adequate explanation of the cause.
- Destructive, aggressive or disruptive behavior
- Passive, withdrawn or emotionless behavior
- Fear of going home or fear of a parent or parents
Signs may include:
- Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases
- Injury to genital area
- Difficulty and/or pain when sitting or walking
- Sexually suggestive, inappropriate or promiscuous behavior or talk
- Expressing age-inappropriate knowledge of sexual relations
- Sexual victimization of other children
Additional Resources
Contacts:
Child Welfare Inquiries
Report Child Abuse
HEARS Family Line
Specialists are available to guide families to services including
food pantries, clothing closets, housing assistance,
medical and behavioral health care services,
parenting education, child care and more.
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
After Hours Emergencies
County police will answer the hotline Monday through Friday, midnight to 9 a.m. and round the clock weekends and holidays, and refer you to Emergency Services.