Child protection services strive to protect children under 18 from abuse and neglect while making every effort to keep families together.

Everyone has the duty to immediately report to a child welfare agency even a suspicion that a child under 18 may be in need of protective services.

Designated social workers in child welfare agencies are required to assess reports of alleged child abuse and neglect.

Child abuse includes:

* Physical abuse
* Emotional abuse
* Sexual abuse
* Neglect