The goal of Child Protective Services (CPS) is to:

• provide specialized services to protect children from abuse and neglect
• preserve families whenever possible
• and prevent further maltreatment of a child or children

The Suffolk Department of Social Services and all local departments of social services are responsible for receiving reports/complaints of suspected child abuse and neglect, determining if the CPS reports are valid, conducting family assessments or investigations to determine if the valid allegation is founded or unfounded and providing services that enhance child safety and prevent further abuse and neglect to families and children.