Protecting Children and Promoting Families

The Public Children Service Agency (PCSA) is required to receive reports of child abuse and neglect, and investigate those reports in a timely manner. The PCSA works with families to identify services and develop a case plan to reduce the risk of future abuse and/or neglect.

In most cases the PCSA is able to provide services to the child and family while the child remains in the home. However, there are instances where the child cannot safely remain in the home and it is necessary for the PCSA to work with the local court system to remove the child from the situation. If the child is placed outside the home, the PCSA is required to develop a case plan detailing the activities which must occur to ensure the child is safely able to return home. If that is not possible, the plan will identify an alternative safe, stable, permanent living situation that promotes the child’s health, growth and development.

The PCSA, also, provides homemaker services to families where child abuse and neglect situations are being corrected through a case plan. The PCSA provides 24 hour investigative services for child abuse and neglect complaints.