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Working with Child Protective Services (CPS)

For current open CPS cases, schools should work closely with the Child Protective unit assigned to the student's case before making another report. Please use the caseworker’s email and/or cell phone number, as they may be working remotely.

  • If a mandated reporter and/or designated liaison need to get the caseworker’s contact information and/or have any other concerns that are not more urgent, they should reach out to the CPS at mcdss@monroecounty.gov
  • If there is a more pressing concern or issue that needs to be resolved, then the mandated reporter/Designated Liaison can call the NYS Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-342-3720.
  • If there is imminent threat of danger to a child's health or safety or the child requires immediate medical attention, staff members must contact 911 and the NYS Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-342-3720.

Child Abuse and Neglect Indicators Can Be Found at

https://www.dorightbykids.org/how-do-i-recognize-child-abuse-and-neglect/

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT: TYPES AND REPORTING

There are four main types of abuse: PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, SEXUAL, and NEGLECT. Below are some potential signs of abuse and neglect that could indicate a child may not be safe:

PHYSICAL abuse:

  • Child has bruising, welts, burns, bite marks, broken bones or other injuries that are not explained,
  • appear to be inflicted, or are suspicious.
  • Child may report having pain caused by parental behavior, though have no obvious signs of injury.
  • Child has been directly present in a room where domestic violence incidents have occurred.
  • Behaviorally, child may appear to be afraid of caregiver(s) and flinch when around them.

EMOTIONAL abuse:

  • Child may appear withdrawn, sad, or emotionally unattached to caregivers.
  • Caregiver is known or heard to repeatedly blame, belittle, or berate the child.
  • Child is aware of and exposed to domestic violence incidents between caregivers.

SEXUAL abuse:

  • Child may describe being sexually touched by a parent, caregiver, or other person in the home.
  • Child may demonstrate unusual sexual knowledge or behavior for their age.

NEGLECT:

  • Child is witnessing illegal substance use by caregivers, and/or has access to unsafe items in the home.
  • Child is not being supervised adequately for their age and developmental ability.
  • Child’s primary needs for food, education or, medical, dental, or mental health care are not being met