Neglect / Abuse

The Prosecutor’s Office provides legal counsel to the Department of Human Services - Child Protection Services Division in cases involving the abuse and/or neglect of children by their parents or guardians, in Family Court.

Goal
The goal of these cases is to obtain a safe and healthy permanent placement for these children who are unable to protect themselves from abuse and/or neglect. Sometimes that safe and healthy permanent placement is with their parent or guardian (after various services are provided to the parent and the child), and sometimes it is with an adoptive family. 

To reach this goal, the Prosecutor’s Office works with:
  • Attorneys
  • The child
  • Court Appointed Special Advocates
  • The Department of Human Services
  • The Family Court Judge
  • The Family Court Referees
  • Foster care and adoption agencies
  • Law enforcement
  • The parent
  • Various community service providers
The office works with all of these people and organizations to ensure that all parties receive due process (that the law is being followed) and that the child’s needs are being met.

Report It
Concerned citizens wanting to report child abuse/neglect:
  • Call the Department of Human Services Central Intake at 855-444-3911.           
  • Call your local law enforcement agency.
Mandatory Reports
Mandatory reporters wanting to report child abuse/neglect:
  • Immediately call Department of Human Services Central Intake at 855-444-3911.
  • File a 3200 (PDF) within 48 hours.