Child Protective Services (CPS)

The goal of Child Protective Services (CPS) is to support parents/caregivers in making necessary changes so children are safe and protected in their homes.  We believe in strengthen families by using evidence based practices, and trauma informed practice to help identify strengths with families and building family managed plans to assist families in ensuring safety of their children.

Our Family Services Unit follows specific statutes and standards to which we must adhere so that we may provide an array of services to accomplish the goal of protecting children in Lafayette County.

Any person who thinks child abuse and/or neglect has happened or might happen can make a report to Child Protective Services (CPS) agency or law enforcement.  Law enforcement must contact the county Child Protective Services (CPS) agency within 12 hours of receiving a report of suspected child abuse or neglect.

By law, there are specified professional persons who are required to report child abuse or neglect.  They are referred to as Mandated Reporters. (More information at: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/cps/mandatedreporters)

Signs of Child Abuse

You do not need to be an expert in the definitions of abuse and neglect. It is the responsibility of Child Protective Services (CPS), law enforcement and court systems. You just need to understand the signs of possible abuse and neglect so you are prepared to recognize situations that may need to be reported.  More information at: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/cps/signs

Safe Haven for Newborns Information

Safe Haven, also known as “infant relinquishment,” allows a parent to leave their newborn in a safe place in certain circumstances with certain individuals.  More information at:   https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/cps/safehaven

Overview of the CPS Process

Here is a visual representation of the process: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/cps/pdf/cps-processoverview.pdf

Lafayette County Child Protective Services can be contacted at:

LAFAYETTE COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES
15701 County Road K; Suite 3 (lower level)
Darlington, WI 53530

Office Hours: 608-776-4800

After Hours: 1-888-552-6642 > ask to speak with the on-call social worker

FAX: 833-464-0892

If the abuse is happening now or is violent in nature, call 911.