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1. What is child protective services?

Child Protective Services is a unit within the Department of Social Services (DSS) that investigates child abuse, neglect, and dependency of children from birth to 18 years of age.  The purpose of the investigation is to determine:

• the extent of any abuse or neglect
• the risk of harm to the child
• whether the child and family need assistance or intervention services by DSS to insure child safety in the home
• what services would be most helpful
• whether a petition should be filed to take the matter to juvenile court

2. What is child abuse?

General Statue 7B-101(1) defines an abused child as any juvenile less than 18 years of age whose parent, guardian, custodian or caretaker inflicts, or allows to be inflicted, serious physical injury by other than accidental means; creates or allows to be created substantial risk of serious injury; uses, or allows to be used, cruel or grossly inappropriate procedures or devices to modify behavior; commits, permits, or encourages sexual abuse of the juvenile; and creates or allows to be created serious emotional damage to the juvenile. Learn more specifics by viewing the informational Child Abuse page.

3. What is child neglect?

General Statute 7B-101(15) defines a neglected child as any juvenile who does not receive proper care, supervision, or discipline from the juvenile's parent, guardian or caretaker; or who is abandoned, or not provided necessary medical care, or who lives in an environment injurious to the juvenile's welfare, or who has been placed for care or adoption in violation of the law. Discover the various types of neglect on the Child Neglect page.

4. What is dependency?

General Statute 7B-101 (9) defines a dependent child as any juvenile needing assistance or placement because the child has no parent, guardian, or custodian responsible for his or her care or supervision, or the child's parent, guardian, or custodian is not able to provide for the child's care or supervision due to physical or mental incapacity and the absence of an appropriate alternative child-care arrangement.

5. How do I make a report?

A report may be made in person, by telephone, or in writing to the Department of Social Services in your county. The county phone number for making reports is 704-216-8499. Reports may also be made to the state Child Protective Services Division by calling 800-354-KIDS.

6. Do I have to give my name when I make a report?

No. Reports may be made anonymously. However, you will not receive a letter advising whether the report was accepted for investigation nor notification of the case decision. For concerns, inquiries or to make a report, please use our Feedback Form.

7. Who must report child abuse and neglect?

The law requires everyone to report suspected child abuse or neglect, “Any person or institution who has cause to suspect that any juvenile is abused or neglected or dependent, as defined by General Statute (G.S.) 7B-101, or has died as the result of maltreatment shall report the case of that juvenile to the director of the Department of Social Services, or his/her designee, in the county where the juvenile resides or is found,” (G.S. 7B-310). This reporting requirement applies to professionals such as physicians, psychologist, other health and mental health workers, day care workers, and school personnel. But it applies equally to friends, neighbors, relatives. and anyone else who suspects that a child is abused or neglected.