I've called Child Protective Services, but nothing happens. What else can I do?

While each county has its own grievance process, the process generally is as follows:

1. Speak with the Child Protective Services (CPS) worker about your concerns.
2. If you believe that the county agency did not follow required state statutes or policies, ask to speak to the supervisor.
3. If you believe that state statutes or policies are still not being followed, speak with the Program Manager.
4. If you are still not satisfied, speak to state regional staff. This person will take your information and check in with the child protective services worker to see if they have followed the law/policy as they should have.

First, remember that child protective service agencies - most of which are under-funded and overburdened - exist to prevent imminent harm to a child. They are unlikely to have the resources to intervene except in the most severe cases.

But, there are other things you can do to help build a safety net of support and care around an abused or neglected child and his or her family. Here are some ideas.

Teachers and counselors see children on a regular basis and are in a good position to reach out to an abused or neglected child. Call the child's school counselor and tell them of your concerns. Ask them to pay close attention to the child and to be alert for some of the warning signs of abuse or neglect.

Contact the leaders of the family's faith community to let them know of your concern for the child. Ask them to reach out to the family and offer support and assistance.

Adopt a child protective service worker.

Most CPS agencies are severely understaffed and overworked. Get your school district or faith community to 'adopt' a CPS worker. Arrange for donations of food or used clothing, furniture or toys on behalf of the families served by the CPS worker. Find out what they need in terms of financial resources and support, and hold car-washes, bake and yard sales, etc., to help.

Offer to baby-sit for the parents, to give them a chance to relax and unwind. Be kind and supportive to the children in your neighborhood, especially to those you think might be abused or neglected at home.

If the child is in imminent danger, call the police.

Be alert to the warning signs of abuse or neglect, particularly to unexplained or frequent injuries or bruises. If you suspect a child is in danger, call the police immediately.

Source: Prevent Child Abuse America