Child protective services (CPS) are specialized services aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of abused, neglected, or dependent children. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services (Cabinet/CHFS) has the legal authority and obligation to assure that reports meet the statutory and regulatory definitions of abuse, neglect, or dependency before a child protective assessment or investigation begins.
The Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) accepts reports that meet the statutory and regulatory definitions of abuse, neglect, or dependency where the alleged perpetrator is in a caretaking role. There are two (2) exceptions when DCBS will accept a report when the alleged perpetrator may not be a caretaker - an allegation of human trafficking or an allegation of female genital mutilation. The identity of persons who report allegations of child abuse or neglect is kept confidential. Reported allegations of child abuse or neglect from persons who wish to remain anonymous will be accepted; however, staff encourage all reporters to provide contact information so follow-up can occur if more information is needed. The Division of Service Regions (DSR) is responsible for establishing and maintaining centralized intake (CI) teams in each service region. Management of the CI teams occurs within DSR by a statewide branch manager.