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First, the agency screens the report
At intake, a worker may ask what you observed or what was disclosed, where the child is, whether the child may be in immediate danger, and what else you know about the child or family. In Wisconsin, callers are told to provide what they know and not delay reporting because they cannot answer every question. Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
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The agency then considers whether the information meets local legal criteria for child-protection action and how urgent the concern appears. A report that does not meet those criteria may be “screened out,” meaning it will not receive the same CPS response as a screened-in report. That decision does not by itself mean the caller lied or that help is unavailable: Maryland says a screened-out referral may still be referred for services, while Alaska says screened-out reports are retained for future reference. Maryland Department of Human Services; Alaska Office of Children’s Services
If the report is screened in, the response depends on the case
A screened-in report may receive an investigation, a family assessment, an alternative response, or another locally named pathway. These labels are not interchangeable across states, and the pathway reflects the state’s rules and the circumstances reported.
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Investigation or alternative response
Maryland distinguishes an Investigative Response, which uses a forensic assessment and makes a finding, from an Alternative Response for lower-risk cases, which does not make a finding. Virginia describes a family assessment when a report is valid but there is no immediate threat and the family may benefit from services. Maryland Department of Human Services; Virginia Department of Social Services
Urgency and access to the child matter
Agencies may prioritize a response based on the reported danger, whether the alleged perpetrator can reach the child, and whether a caregiver is able and willing to protect the child. Alaska’s guidance describes these kinds of factors in assigning response priority. Alaska Office of Children’s Services
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Workers assess safety and gather information
Depending on the response, CPS workers may contact the child and caregivers, speak with household members or other people who have relevant information, and gather evidence. The purpose is to assess the child’s safety and circumstances, not simply to repeat the reporter’s suspicion as an established fact.
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CPS and police may have separate roles
A child-protection agency assesses safety and family needs. Law enforcement investigates whether a crime occurred and whether charges should be filed. Washington describes these as distinct responsibilities, and a potential crime may be referred to police. Connecticut also describes required notifications to police and prosecutors in cases where its investigation determines that serious physical or sexual abuse occurred. Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families; Connecticut Department of Children and Families
Possible outcomes range from closure to court action
The outcome depends on what workers learn and whether the child can be kept safe. Possible next steps include closing the case, referring the family to services, offering voluntary help, continuing CPS involvement, arranging protective custody, or seeking court involvement. A report alone does not decide which outcome will occur.
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- Closure or referral: A case may close when the child is assessed as safe, or the family may be referred to services even when a CPS response is not opened. Alaska and Wisconsin describe cases that may close when a child is safe; Maryland notes possible service referrals after a screened-out report. Alaska Office of Children’s Services; Wisconsin Department of Children and Families; Maryland Department of Human Services
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- Protective custody or court action: A child may be removed if the agency determines the child is unsafe; Alaska describes circumstances in which removal and a child-in-need-of-aid case may be required. Wisconsin says removal can occur at any point if a child is deemed unsafe. Alaska Office of Children’s Services; Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
Response times are state-specific
Timing depends on urgency and the state system. The figures below are separate state examples, not a national deadline or a promise about when a particular worker will arrive.
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| State | Published response timing | Scope or qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri | Immediately when a report suggests immediate danger; within 24 hours when immediate danger is not reported. | Missouri identifies an exception for incidents involving educational neglect only. Missouri Department of Social Services |
| Connecticut | Aim to begin within two hours for imminent risk of physical harm or another emergency; within three days for other reports. Investigations must be completed within 45 calendar days. | These are Connecticut’s stated goals and completion requirement. Connecticut Department of Children and Families |
| Wisconsin | Screening response targets are within 24 hours or within five days. | These are Wisconsin screening-response targets. Wisconsin Department of Children and Families |
If a child is in immediate danger, contact emergency services or the local child-protection hotline rather than relying on a routine response-time example.
Confidentiality and follow-up vary by state
Do not assume that a report is anonymous or that the agency will tell you what happened. Rules differ by state and may also depend on whether you are a mandated reporter.
- Wisconsin: Reports are confidential by law, and non-mandated reporters may choose to report without giving a name. Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
- Maryland: Callers need not provide their name, but the local department cannot disclose whether a referral was screened in or out. Maryland Department of Human Services
- Alaska: The described process does not share the reporter’s identity. Additional information after an initial assessment is provided to mandated reporters, not other reporters; workers may be unable to disclose the action taken or its timing because case information is confidential. Alaska Office of Children’s Services
- Virginia: A reporter’s name is not required and is not released unless there is a court order or testimony. Virginia Department of Social Services
Washington’s reported intake figures are state-specific
Washington DCYF says it received 122,222 reports of abuse and neglect in 2025; 43,311 were screened in for a response, and 60,636 children required a face-to-face response. These are Washington-only counts, not national totals or rates. Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families
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