[Health and Human Services Agency]
(Placerville, CA) - El Dorado County Child Protective Services (CPS) has launched a new toll-free phone number -- (844) 756-3699. The CPS Hotline can be accessed across El Dorado County 24 hours per day by anyone concerned that a child may be experiencing abuse, neglect or exploitation. "The new CPS hotline is an important tool to help us more comprehensively serve residents across the county and ensure that children stay safe," said Kathy Brook-Johnson, manager of El Dorado County CPS.
According to Brook-Johnson, anyone who knows or suspects a child is in danger should call the CPS Hotline and speak with CPS staff. In an emergency, they should call 911. State law requires all mandated reporters to call CPS or make an in-person report, followed by a written report. Mandated reporters include teachers, therapists/counselors, law enforcement officers, medical professionals, day care staff, child advocates and others.
The most common types of abuse or neglect can include general neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, caretaker absence/incapacity, sexual abuse, and/or exploitation. "CPS is dependent upon reports from those in the community who care about the safety and wellbeing of children," said Brook-Johnson. "Without calls, we are unaware of the children and youth who may be at risk."
Last year, El Dorado County CPS screened over 2,400 child welfare calls. "We assess each call, with our first priority being the safety of the children," explained Brook-Johnson. "Our job is to work together with the families to bring resources and supports, and to help the children and their parents get the help and services they need."
CPS has offices in South Lake Tahoe and Placerville. For additional information about CPS services, general questions or ways to prevent child abuse, neglect, or exploitation, visit the CPS website at www.edcgov.us/hhsa; or call the office general phone numbers at (530) 642-7100 in Placerville or (530) 573-3201 in South Lake Tahoe. CPS is a program of the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency.
