Child Protective Services FAQ's

Nature of the harm or specific incident(s) that precipitated the report

  • Date(s) and descriptions(s) of the injuries or dangers
  • Identities of perpetrator(s) (alleged abuser) and their relationship/s to the victim
  • Witnesses to the incident(s) and how they may be reached
  • Details of any physical evidence available (What types of injuries or types of danger exists? When did they happen? Where did they happen?)
  • Does the perpetrator(s) (alleged abuser) have current access to the child
  • Present condition of the child (alone, in need of medical attention, etc.)
  • The location of the child and directions to get there
  • Any statements from the child
  • How the reporter came to know the information and the reporter’s thoughts about the likelihood of further harm to the child(ren).

These are just several examples of the questions that may be asked when reporting abuse or neglect of children. The reporter’s identity is confidential, but a name should be given so the Department could follow-up contact with the reporter if necessary. The reporter is free from civil or criminal liability for reports of suspected child abuse or neglect made in good faith.

Repeated Injuries: Bruises, welts, burns. Parents may seem unconcerned, deny that anything is wrong, or give unlikely explanations for the injuries.

Neglected Appearance: Children often are badly nourished, inadequately clothed, are left alone or are wandering at all hours, always seem as if nobody cares. (Sometimes, though, over-neatness may be a sign of abuse.)

Disruptive Behavior: Very aggressive, negative behavior constantly repeated can signal a desperate need for attention and help.

Passive Withdrawn Behavior: When children are excessively shy and friendless, it may indicate that there are serious problems at home.

Parents Who Are “Super-Critical”: Parents who discipline their children frequently and severely may begin to abuse them when their unrealistic standards are not met.

Families That Are Extremely: Parents who don’t share in school or community activities and resent friendly contacts may be distrustful of people, afraid of their help.

Use caution and good sense in identifying child abuse. Every parents makes errors in judgment and action at some time but when it becomes plain that there is a pattern or it is becoming one, then it’s time for help.

Supervision of children is basic to the prevention of harm. Adequate supervision means an adult caregiver is accountable for the child’s care. Although, there is no California law that defines a specific age at which a child may be left home alone, there are several factors that should be taken into consideration when deciding how closely to supervise a child, including:

  • The age, emotional maturity and capability of the child;
  • Layout and safety of the home, play area, or other setting;
  • Neighborhood circumstances, hazards, and risks;
  • The child’s ability to respond to illness, fire, weather, or other types of emergencies;
  • Whether the child has a mental, physical, or medical disability.

The number of children left unsupervised, the accessibility to other responsible adults, the length of time or frequency with which the child is left alone, and the child’s knowledge of the parent’s whereabouts are additional relevant factors.

  • In San Bernardino area call: 909-384-9233
  • Outside of the San Bernardino area call: 1-800-827-8724
  • or contact local law enforcement
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