What You Need to Know About Filing a Complaint Against Child Protective Services in California
If an individual feels that their case was not completed satisfactorily, one might choose to file a complaint against Child Protective Services (CPS). Here’s how to file a complaint against CPS in California.
To file a complaint against Child Protective Services in California, the individual should begin by reaching out to discuss their case with the local social worker(s) who handled the case. If the issue is not resolved through discussion, there are larger state and federal resources the individual can use to file their complaint.
Engage In Open Conversation At the Local Level
If an individual is not satisfied with the way in which their case was handled by Child Protective Services in California, the first step to resolving the issue is to begin at its root. Take action by reaching out to the local case manager or service provider to discuss the issues transparently. Doing this is both faster and easier for involved parties.
Related: What CPS Can and Cannot Do in California
If a conversation with the case manager or service provider doesn’t clarify or resolve the issue, the individual is encouraged to request to speak with an agency supervisor or manager, who should be able to answer specific questions and take agency-related actions.
If speaking with agency management doesn’t clarify or resolve the issue, the individual should then contact the county or district agency director.
Moving to the State Level
If the issue cannot be resolved at the local or county agency level, most states, including California, give the individual the option to contact the state’s ombudsperson, an impartial and independent official appointed to oversee and review child welfare policies. The California Ombudsperson for Foster Care can be contacted by phone, email, or on their website.
The individual can also reach out to the state Department of Social Services once all other resources and options have been exhausted. The department can be contacted by phone, email, or on their website.
Child Welfare Program Improvement
The California Department of Social Services is committed to providing the best possible services to improve the lives of children and families in the state. Through a model of continuous quality improvement, the department incorporates quantitative and qualitative data, as well as information gained from various reports, to assess the effectiveness of the state’s child welfare programs.
FAQs About How to File a Complaint Against Child Protective Services in California
Isn’t Child Protective Services the same in every state? Why do I have to reach out locally?
Child Protective Services is a state program under each state’s Department of Social Services that is governed by each state’s individual laws and procedures. Therefore, when filing a complaint in California, it is important to begin by reaching out to California state and local officials, who are the most familiar with California’s laws and procedures.
Can the federal government ever intervene and help me with my complaint?
Because Child Protective Services is governed by state law, the federal government does not have the authority to intervene in individual cases or complaints.
Related: Child Protective Services (CPS) Laws in California
However, there are certain circumstances under which the federal government can get involved in the case, such as if the individual feels they are being treated unfairly due to their race, color, national origin, disability, age, gender, or religion.
If you think there is a condition to your complaint that could be best addressed and assisted with by the federal government, reach out to the relevant federal office.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one have any more questions on how to file a complaint against CPS in California, contact us. We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified attorney for your unique legal matter. Get your free consultation with one of our California Family Law Attorneys today!
