Child Welfare Services (CWS)

Child Welfare Services, sometimes referred to as Child Protective Services (CPS), aims to provide for the safety and stability of children and youth who are at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Child Welfare Services offer a broad variety of services and programs developed to protect the children and youth of our community from abuse, neglect, or exploitation by their parent(s) or caregiver(s).

Most parents want to be good parents. They do their best under sometimes stressful circumstances. The Department's priority is to provide services and support parents in finding ways to keep their child safely in the family home when possible and appropriate. When this cannot be safely accomplished, reunification services may be offered to facilitate the return of the child to the family home.

If you have concerns about possible child abuse or neglect, call the 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at (805) 781-KIDS (5437) to speak with a CWS Social Worker.
For mandated reporters, the initial phone report must be made by calling the hotline. After your call, you are required to complete and submit the Suspected Child Abuse Report BCIA 8572 form via fax or email. The CWS Social Worker will provide the correct fax number and email address during your call.