Reports may be made at any time, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Any person may make a report. Certain professionals, including, doctors, therapists, teachers and others are mandated to report abuse and neglect observed in the course of their work.

All referrals are promptly investigated. Most result in referrals to agencies which provide services to assist the family to improve its functioning and stay together. A minority of referrals result in removal of children, for their protection.

When the concern is serious, the Juvenile Court is brought into the process to direct the Child Protective Service. If the child remains in the home, the Court may order "Family Maintenance," to provide supervised support to the family. If the child is removed, the program develops and monitors a "Family Reunification Plan," to create the conditions necessary for safe return home. Most families are successfully reunified.

In a small number of situations, reunification is not feasible and the Court orders a "Permanent Plan," through which new guardians or adoptive parents are found for the child.

Child Protective Services Locations:

Laura Wilcox Building, 208 Sutton Way, Grass Valley CA 95945

Joseph Government Center, 10075 Levon Avenue, Truckee, CA 96161

Referral Phone numbers:
(Call anytime, day or night)
(530) 265-9380 or Toll-Free: (888) 456-9380

(Note: this department does not handle child support payment complaints; for information visit the Child Support Services Department channel on our Website.)