Administration for Children’s Services

A child being abused needs someone older and more capable then them to protect them. However, children are unable to protect themselves, and most adults refuse to put themselves in an uncomfortable situation. Therefor when a child is being abused, most likely the teacher of that child will notice the situation the child is going through. Often, the teachers of the students feel it is important to report if they see something wrong with a child. Once there is a report in the system, it won’t be long before the child and their parents along with their living situation is being investigated by ACS (Administration for Children’s Services). If ACS’s indeed find evidence that a child is being abused, the child will be removed from their home and into foster care, for the child’s protection. Most children being abused don’t necessarily want to be removed and taken away from their family, however once Administration for Children’s Services is involved, a long process along with court dates is issues. Many times, if the child being abused has relatives such as aunts, uncles, or grandparents, that are living separately from the parents, they take custody of the child for the time being. Frequently once a child is removed from their home, the parents of the child have minimum to no visitation rights. If your caseworker finds their is no way to eliminate the danger/threat to your child, ACS will seek a Family Court order to remove your child and place your child into foster care. If CPS determines that it is safe for your child to remain at home while the family receives services, ACS will ask for those services to be provided under the supervision of the Family Court (court-ordered supervision). Your family must comply with these services in order for your child to remain at home.