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1. What makes a CPS report valid?

In order for a CPS complaint to be valid 4 criteria must be met. The four criteria are as follows:
- The alleged victim child or children are under the age of 18 at the time of the
report.
- The alleged abuser is the alleged victim child's parent or someone in a
caretaker role.
- The local department receiving the report is where the child resides. If not, the
report should be transferred to the correct locality by the local department.
- The report describes an incidence of abuse and/or neglect (e.g. Physical Abuse,
Physical Neglect, Mental Abuse or Neglect, Medical Neglect, and Sexual Abuse.)

2. How do I make a report?

If you suspect that the abuse and/or neglect of a child has occurred or is occurring, even if you are uncertain about the criteria, it is always best to make a report Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. through 5 p.m. to the Suffolk Department of Social Services CPS Hotline number 757-514-7458, or the State CPS Hotline number 800-552-7096 before or after working hours, weekends and holidays. The State CPS Hotline number is accessible 24 hours per day and 365 days per year. If you are out of state, the State CPS Hotline number to call is 804-786-8536.
In the case of any emergency, please dial 911.
You may also make a CPS report in person by visiting or sending a letter to the Suffolk Department of Social Services.

3. Can I make an anonymous report?

Yes. Reports or complaints alleging abuse or neglect may be made anonymously and the local department cannot require the individual to reveal his or her identity as a condition of accepting the report. Suffolk DSS does suggest leaving a call back number just in case more information is needed – but this is not mandatory.