Adult, Family and Children's Services Programs
Child Protective Services
Section 63.1-248.2 of the code of Virginia defines an abused or
neglected child as any child less than eighteen years of age:
- Whose parents or other person responsible for his care creates
or inflicts, threatens to create or inflict, or allows to be created
or inflicted upon such child a physical or mental injury by other
than accidental means, or creates a substantial risk of death,
disfigurement, or impairment of bodily or mental functions;
- Whose parents or other person responsible for his care neglects
or refuses to provide care necessary for his health. However,
no child who in good faith is under treatment solely by spiritual
means through prayer in accordance with the tenets and practices
of a recognized church or religious denomination shall for that
reason alone be considered to be an abused or neglected child;
- Whose parents or other person responsible for his care abandons
such child;
- Whose parents or other person responsible for his care commits
or allows to be committed any act of sexual exploitation or any
sexual act upon a child in violation of the law; or
- Who is without parental care or guardianship caused by the
unreasonable absence or the mental or physical incapacity of the
child's parent, guardian, legal custodian or other person standing
in loco parentis
Physical Abuse - is defined as any act which,
regardless of intent, results in non-accidental physical injury.
Inflicted physical injury most often represents severe corporal
punishment. Physical abuse can range from minor bruises and lacerations
to severe neurological trauma and death.
Physical Neglect - is defined as the failure to
provide for a child's physical survival needs to the extent that
there is harm or risk of harm to the child's health or safety. Physical
neglect is often chronic in nature and includes inadequate nutrition,
clothing, shelter, hygiene, supervision, and medical or dental care.
Sexual Abuse - is defined as acts of sexual assault
and sexual exploitation of minors. Sexual abuse encompasses a broad
range of behavior and may consist of many acts over a long period
of time or a single incident. Sexual abuse is generally perpetrated
by someone known by the child and often does not involve violence.
Victims include males and females that range in age from less than
one year through adolescence. Specifically, sexual abuse includes:
incest, rape, intercourse, oral-genital contact, fondling, sexual
propositions or enticement, indecent exposure, child pornography,
or child prostitution.
Mental / Emotional Maltreatment - is defined as
a pattern of acts by the caretaker which results in harm to the
child's psychological or emotional health or development. The child
typically demonstrates dysfunction as a result of the caretaker's
behavior. A psychological assessment is recommended in helping determine
mental abuse. Emotional maltreatment can include patterns of rejection,
intimidation, ignoring, ridiculing, or isolation.
When you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, you
should make a report as soon as possible to the local Department
of Social Services. You may call the Chesterfield - Colonial Heights
Department of Social Services, (804) 748-1100, during normal business
hours. There is also a social worker available on-call after hours
to handle emergency concerns. This worker can be accessed through
police dispatch. Reports can be made to the Child Abuse and Neglect
Hotline (1-800-552-7096), seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Provide as much of the following information when reporting an
incident:
- The name, addresses, and telephone number of the child and parents
or other person(s) responsible for the child's care
- The child's birth date or age, sex and race
- A description of the nature of the injuries or condition
- History of prior reported incidents of injuries or maltreatment
of the child or siblings
- Reasons for suspecting abuse or neglect
- If medical or other emergency services are necessary
- The names and ages of other persons who live with the child
and their relationship to the child
- The name, address, and telephone number of the suspected abuser
and his/her relationship to the child
- Any other pertinent information
- Your name (however reports may also be made anonymously)
Anyone may report abuse or neglect; however, under Virginia law,
certain professionals are required to report. Mandated reporters
include teachers, doctors, law enforcement, therapists, and others
responsible for the care of children.
Reports may be made anonymously. However we encourage callers to
leave their names so they may be contacted if additional information
is needed. Also, the results of the investigation will be provided.
The identity of the caller is not revealed during the investigation.
It is only revealed under order of the court in extremely rare situations.
Section 63.1-248.5 of the Code of Virginia provides protection
from criminal and civil liability to the following persons unless
it is proven that these persons acted with malicious intent: any
person making a report of child abuse / neglect; and any person
who participates in a judicial proceeding resulting from either
making a report or taking a child into immediate custody.
After a report of suspected abuse or neglect is received, the report
is assessed for validity. Before a referral is accepted for investigation,
a determination must be made that the allegations meet the definition
of abuse and neglect, the victim is currently under the age of 18,
there is a caretaker relationship between the victim and the alleged
abuser / neglector and that the abuse occurred under the local department's
jurisdiction.
If a report is determined to be invalid, it does not mean that
we disagree with the caller's concern, but rather that the call
did not meet the above stated criteria for assessment. If the call
is screened out for assessment, the caller will be notified and
the information is maintained for one year. If a caller does not
agree with this decision, the caller is encouraged to report any
additional information or to clarify the concern.
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