Which agency is responsible for reporting suspicions of child abuse?

Child Protective Services (CPS) is the agency specifically tasked with the responsibility of investigating reports of child abuse or neglect. These agencies operate at the state level and play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and welfare of children who may be at risk due to situations that may involve abuse or neglect. When a suspicion of child abuse is reported, CPS assesses the situation and takes necessary actions, which could include intervening, providing support services to families, or in severe cases, removing a child from an unsafe environment.

In contrast, while other organizations like Foster Care Services, Crisis Intervention Centers, and Family Court Services may support children and families in various ways, they do not have the primary responsibility of reporting and investigating suspected child abuse. Foster Care Services focuses on providing temporary care for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Crisis Intervention Centers might offer support during emergencies but do not handle the investigation process directly. Family Court Services generally deal with legal matters related to family issues but are not the primary agency for reporting child abuse incidents.