How We Respond to a Report

What happens if your family is reported to CAS?

If someone says your child is abused or neglected, a CAS worker will visit your family to determine if abuse is occurring. If the worker thinks your child is at risk, he or she will speak with you regarding how to protect the child and help your family.

The worker may offer you support services, or discuss with you the need to temporarily remove your child from home. Removal of children happens in very few cases, however if your child is removed from home against your wishes, a judge will decide what should happen next. You can get a lawyer to help you in court. If you can't afford one, you should ask for assistance from the legal aid office.

If you disagree with the worker, you should talk to the CAS manager. If you, your worker, and the manager can't resolve the problem, the CAS has a formal complaints procedure that will be explained to you. You can ask for a written copy of the complaints procedure at any time.

Because some forms of abuse are crimes, the police may be involved in investigating an alleged assault of a child.