Bright Start Nurse Home Visitation Program
Child Abuse Prevention
Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect
 

Submitting a Report
Anyone who has reasonable cause to suspect that a person under age 18 has been abused or neglected may make a report. State law requires anyone in a safety-sensitive position (doctors, counselors, law enforcement, etc.) to report child abuse.  The report is made to the Department of Social Services, law enforcement or the state’s attorney. Any person who knows or suspects that a child has been physically or emotionally injured, neglected or sexually abused should report it immediately.

Reports of child abuse can be made to South Dakota's Child Protection Services at 605.367.5460.  For more information, visit their website at www.state.sd.us/social/CPS.  To contact your local office of CPS, please click here.

When submitting a report, you may be asked for specific information, which may include:

• The child's name and location
• The suspected perpetrator's name and relationship to the child (if known)
• A description of what you have seen or heard regarding the abuse or neglect
• The names of any other people having knowledge of the abuse or neglect
• Your name and phone number
   

After Submitting a Report
Child Protection Services and law enforcement agencies are required by law to investigate reports of child abuse or neglect. Protective services is a series of services to children in need of protection. It includes intake and screening of referrals of child abuse and neglect involving families who have a caretaking responsibility for children. Referrals are assigned for an initial family assessment.

An initial family assessment is a neutral approach to gathering information in response to a report of suspected child abuse or neglect. Information is gathered through interviews, observations and reviewing documents. It also includes making a determination as to the validity of the allegations in the report, determining whether or not there are any other abuse or neglect issues, making a determination as to the immediate safety and needs of the child, and determining risk to the child through identification of family/child strengths and stresses.

If it is determined that the child is unsafe or is at risk of abuse or neglect, a Child Protection Services social worker will develop a case plan with the parents to improve the situation. Normally, a child would not be removed from the home. But, if a child appears to be in immediate danger, a judge may order removal of the child from the situation or a law enforcement officer may take protective custody.

Child Protection Services does not have the authority to take custody of a child. If parents are cooperative and succeed in making improvements, court action may not be necessary. In severe cases, the state’s attorney may initiate a criminal proceeding.

*Information from South Dakota's Department of Social Services' Child Protection Services.

Bright Start
Signs of Child Abuse & Neglect
Stresses for Parents & Caregivers
Tips for Parents & Caregivers
Support for Parents & Caregivers

 

 
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