Investigaciones fuera de la familia

When concerns of abuse or neglect arise in out-of-family settings, CPS follows additional requirements when investigating a report. These settings may include: 

• State-licensed and exempt child day centers 
• Licensed and registered family day homes 
• Public and private schools 
• Children’s residential facilities and institutions 
• Hospitales 
• Home-based daycare providers 
• Foster and adoptive homes 

What Happens During an Investigation in an Out of Family Setting?   

Dependiendo del entorno, un trabajador de los Servicios de Protección Infantil (CPS) puede: 

• Notify state and local agencies and administrators to create a joint investigation plan 
• Inform the individual managing the out-of-family setting and arrange interviews, observe the facility and review relevant records 
• Interview and observe the child for signs of abuse or neglect, and notify the child’s parent of the CPS report 
• Interview the alleged abuser or neglector 
• Assess child safety and, if needed, develop a safety plan with the family or facility to protect the child and other children 
• Interview witnesses, including other children, if appropriate 
• Observe the location where the alleged abuse or neglect occurred 
• Contact and interview others who know the child and family, such as doctors, teachers or relatives 

CPS se compromete a completar las investigaciones en un plazo de 45 a 60 días desde la fecha del reporte. Si también hay agentes de la ley implicados, el plazo puede extender hasta 90 días. En ciertos casos, como el abuso sexual o la muerte de menores, el plazo puede pausarse hasta recibir los reportes esenciales. 

Disposition Is “Founded”   

En CPS, una disposición de "founded” means that the information gathered during the investigation shows that it is more likely than not that the abuse or neglect occurred.  Records of investigations with a disposition of “founded” are kept confidential by local departments of social services. Additionally, the names of the victims and the abusers are kept on file in the Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry for up to 18 years, depending on the severity of the abuse or neglect. This information can only be released with the abuser’s authorization or by court order.   

Si el abusador no está de acuerdo con este resultado, debe presentar una solicitud por escrito al director del Virginia Department of Social Serviceslocal en 30 días naturales after they receive the written notice from CPS. The CPS worker will provide them with a written explanation of the appeals process.  

Disposition Is “Unfounded”   

En CPS, una disposición de "infundado" means that the information gathered during the investigation did not support a founded disposition.  

These investigations are kept on file for three years from the date of the complaint. They may be kept longer if additional reports are received. The person who was investigated may request the information be retained for two additional years. This information is considered confidential and can only be accessed by local departments of social services.   

If the person who was investigated believes the report was made maliciously or in bad faith, they can petition the circuit court for access to the CPS record, which will include the name of the person who made the report.   

What Happens When un Report Involves un Public School Employee? 

Hay pasos adicionales cuando un reporte involucra a un empleado de una escuela pública. 

• CPS looks at whether the employee used reasonable force to keep students safe and maintain order. Using reasonable force does not count as abuse or neglect. However, corporal punishment is not allowed. 

• CPS looks at whether the employee’s actions were part of their job and done in good faith while supervising, caring for or disciplining students. 

• CPS determines if the employee’s behavior was due to serious carelessness or intentional wrongdoing. 

Special Notifications Regarding Public School Personnel   

Cuando una investigación fundada involucra a un profesor —ya sea a tiempo completo, parcial, permanente o temporal— CPS debe notificar a la junta escolar local. 

Si la persona posee una licencia emitida por la Junta de Educación y todas las apelaciones fueron completadas, el departamento local también debe notificar al Superintendente de Instrucción Pública del Departamento de Educación. 

Preguntas más frecuentes (FAQs)