Strengthening Family,

(530) 841-4200

TO REPORT SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE CALL (530) 841-4200 DURING BUSINESS HOURS OR CALL THE ADULT & CHILDREN'S HOTLINE AT (530) 842-7009 AFTER BUSINESS HOURS.

Emergency Response: Child Protective Services provides 24 hour emergency response to referrals of child abuse or neglect. Allegations are investigated by a social worker who assesses risk to the child. If the child is determined to be unsafe in the home, s(he) may be taken into protective custody by law enforcement and removed from the home.

The Court Process: When a child is taken into protective custody, the child may be placed in a licensed foster home or with an approved relative or non-related extended family member. The law requires that a petition be filed in Juvenile Court within two (2) work days and heard at a Detention Hearing within three (3) work days. Attorneys are appointed to represent the parents and the child. It make take several hearings to agree on the best plan for ensuring the child's safety.

Family Maintenance: Family Maintenance services are provided to families in which children can reside safely in their own homes but who require ongoing supervision. These services can be provided on a voluntary basis or can be ordered by the Court.

Family Reunification: Family Reunification services are provided to families in which children are temporarily placed in out-of-home care with the goal that they return to their own home when it is safe to do so.

Permanency Planning: Parents have six to twelve months to show the Court that they can provide a safe environment for their child. The child is either returned home during that period, or further hearings are set to establish a permanent plan for the child. The permanent plan, in order of preference, is adoption, guardianship, or long term foster care.