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Report Child Abuse

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To report suspected child abuse, please call the Fairfax County DFS 24/7 CPS Hotline at 703-324-7400, or use the online Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) Mandated Reporter Portal. If there is an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Frequently Asked Questions about Reporting Child Abuse
Mandated Reporter Tips

Not sure about reporting Child Abuse or Neglect?*

It’s often really hard to know if a child is being harmed. Sometimes we may see it happening with our own eyes, but other times we may only see signs of what could be happening. Learn more information about what to consider if you suspect child abuse, how to make a report, and resources to help.

Call Fairfax County's Child Protective Services (CPS) hotline 703-324-7400.

You may give your name or remain anonymous.

If you choose to leave your name, it will be kept confidential. If you do identify yourself, the local department of social services will be able to contact you for further information if needed and will be able to inform you of actions that were taken.

You'll be connected to a CPS hotline social worker who will ask questions to determine if the situation meets state determined criteria for response. If so, a CPS social worker will respond to the situation.

A child is separated from the home only as a last resort. As defined in Virginia law, this would be when there is "imminent threat to the life or health of the child." In such cases, CPS social workers do not act alone. They must have court approval to separate a child from a parent's custody. Usually, approval occurs before the child is separated, however, in extreme emergencies, the court may approve after the separation.

Every attempt is made to place the child with family members or a close friend of the family. If that is not possible, the child is placed in a temporary foster home.

CPS becomes involved only when there is a legitimate complaint that a child is a victim of abuse or neglect by the child's caretaker (parent, guardian, etc.).

Children 8 and under should not be left alone for any period of time. CPS has published Child Supervision Guidelines which provides information on when a child may be left unsupervised.

CPS assesses and investigates suspected incidents of physical abuse and neglect; mental or emotional abuse; medical neglect; and sexual abuse by a child's caretaker (parent, guardian, etc.) that meets the state defined criteria.

Many of our social workers are bilingual. We also use interpreters from community organizations specializing in multicultural services. In addition, some of our written materials are printed in other languages.

The Virginia Department of Social Services provides more information about a statewide CPS policies and procedures.

The Parent Support Line (703-324-7200) is available to all caregivers to help connect them with resources aimed at improving their parenting skills and overall circumstances.

Mandated Reporter Tips

These tips are intended to provide a reference for mandatory reporters when making a Child Protective Services (CPS) report; the information provided in these tips should not be used to determine whether a report to CPS should be made. As a reminder, mandatory reporters shall report suspicion of child abuse or child neglect immediately (Code of Virginia, 63.2-1509) and it is not necessary for the reporter to have proof of abuse or neglect. Review the list of all legally required mandatory reporters.

a. An adult should speak with the child in a private location, preferably in their native language.

b. Gather facts.

What happened?
Was there an injury?
What is the shape, color and size of the injury?
Where did it happen? When did it happen?
Who or what caused the injury and what is their relationship to the child?

c. Information provided should be behaviorally-focused, fact-based.

Behaviorally-focused: Be prepared to describe the child’s emotional and physical reaction.
Fact-based: Be prepared to report directly what was shared by the child or directly observed.

d. Prepare family’s demographic information for all known household members (Names, date of births, addresses, updated phone numbers, language preferences, culture, race and ethnicity).

Make the report as soon as you learn of the concerns.

Call the Fairfax County DFS 24/7 CPS Hotline at 703-324-7400 or use the online Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) Mandated Reporter Portal.

a. If you use the online portal, data from the mandated reporter portal "transmits" the information to VDSS Hotline staff.

b. If you call outside of Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. your call will be taken by the State hotline and the local on-call worker may contact you for additional information.

c. Below are common domains that you will be asked when making a report.

Details of the facts gathered when speaking with the victim child.
Who last saw child?
Condition of child.
Where child is located now?
Whereabouts of caretaker and/or alleged abuser.
Alleged abuser/neglector’s access to child.
Family support system.
Condition of home environment.
Medical or mental health treatment needed.
Prior child maltreatment.
Current or past domestic violence.
Access to weapons.
Current or past substance abuse.
Mental or physical disabilities.
Medical diagnoses.
Human trafficking.
Family’s military affiliation.
Native American Heritage.
Things that may complicate the family situation.
Things working well in the family (strengths).

The complainant will receive a call from a CPS hotline staff informing of the screening decision. If the call was screened-in, the assigned CPS specialist may contact the complainant for additional information regarding the family.
No further information can be shared about the family unless the family signs a release of information form.
The complainant will receive a letter acknowledging the closure of the assessment/investigation at its conclusion.

Fairfax County Police Department
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: 703-691-2131
Magistrates
Issues emergency protective orders.
Fairfax: 703-246-2178
Services for people with mental illness or substance use disorders
Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) Mental Health Emergency Services: 703-573-5679; TTY 711
CSB Entry & Referral: 703-383-8500; TTY 711
Children’s Regional Crisis Response (CR2) – 24-hour rapid response for youth (17 and younger) facing a mental health and/or substance use crisis, 703-527-4077
Emergency Developmental Disabilities Services
“REACH” (Regional, Education, Assessment, Crisis Services, Habilitation) crisis stabilization and crisis prevention service for children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities: 855-897-8278
Domestic and Sexual Violence Services
24-Hour Hotline: 703-360-7273; TTY 711
Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services
Programs and services that strengthen families and promote healthy family functioning.
Parent Support Line: 703-324-7720
Coordinated Services Planning
Information and referral to human services resources in the community.
703-222-0880, TTY 703-802-7914
Community resources that are available for support and assistance

State Office of the Ombudsman

A state Office of the Children’s Ombudsman publicly launched May 3, 2022, with the purpose of helping individuals who have concerns about the way local department of social services (like the Fairfax County Department of Family Services) are handling a child protective services or foster care case. Learn more about this independent office.

Department of Family Services

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Report Child Abuse

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Department of Family Services

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Report Child Abuse

Not sure about reporting Child Abuse or Neglect?*

Frequently Asked Questions

If I think a child is being abused or neglected, what should I do?

If I give my name, will it be released to anyone?

What happens when I call the CPS hotline?

Will the child be removed from the home?

What happens to a child when they are removed from the home?

Does CPS become involved in child custody or visitation disputes?

At what age can a child be left alone and for how long?

What types of abuse does CPS respond to?

How are you able to work with people who do not speak English?

Where can I find out more information about Virginia CPS policy and procedures?

What can I do if I am not worried about child abuse or neglect, but I’m curious about finding help for a family that is struggling?

Mandated Reporter Tips

1 – Preparing to Make a Report

2 – Making a Report

3 – After the Report Has Been Made

Mandated Reporter Resources

Other Community Services

State Office of the Ombudsman

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