What is the purpose of Child Protective Services?

• A. To punish families
• B. To provide rehabilitation services only
• C. An agency designed to receive, investigate and provide rehabilitation services for children and families with abuse issues
• D. To supervise local schools

Answer: (C)

The core idea is that Child Protective Services exists to protect children by taking in reports of suspected abuse or neglect, assessing safety, and connecting families with services to reduce risk. The best choice describes CPS as an agency designed to receive, investigate and provide rehabilitation services for children and families with abuse issues, which matches the three main functions: accepting reports, conducting investigations to determine safety, and offering or arranging services to address problems. This isn’t about punishing families, it’s about safeguarding children and helping families access resources to prevent further harm. It also isn’t limited to rehabilitation alone, nor is it about supervising schools.