Child Protective Services

Safety.Stop-Child-AbuseThe goal of Child Protective Services (CPS) is to identify, assess and provide services to children and families in an effort to protect children, preserve families, whenever possible, and prevent further maltreatment. Child Protective Services is non-punitive in its approach and is directed toward enabling families to provide adequate care for their children. 

Local departments of social services are responsible for receiving reports of abuse and neglect; conducting investigations to determine the validity of the CPS reports; and providing services that enhance child safety and prevent further abuse and neglect to families and children.

CPS also develops statewide public awareness and education programs and administrates state and federal grants to prevent abuse and neglect.

To Report Abuse and/or Neglect:


Anyone may report suspected child maltreatment 24 hours per day, seven days a week to Stafford County Department of Social Services by calling (540) 658-4196. In addition, a report may be made by calling the statewide Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline of (800) 552-7096 from outside the state or (804) 786-8536 from inside Virginia.

For more information regarding Child Protective Services, please visit Virginia Department of Social Services.