Child Protective Services

North Carolina law establishes protective services for children from birth to age eighteen who are suspected to be maltreated by a parent or caretaker.

The law requires that any person who has cause to suspect that a juvenile is being abused or neglected shall make a report to the local department of social services in the county where the juvenile resides or is found. Reports may be made orally, in writing, or in person. The person who makes the report is immune from criminal or legal liability if the report was made in good faith.

In Stanly County reports can be made by visiting the office of Stanly County Department of Social Services or by calling us during regular office hours at (704) 982-6100. In the evenings or on weekends and holidays, a report can be made by calling the Stanly County Communications Center at (704) 986-3700.

Each report received is evaluated to determine whether the report alleges a condition which, if true, would fall within the legal definitions of abuse, neglect, or dependency. If accepted for investigation, the Department is required to initiate an investigation within 24 hours after receiving an abuse report and within 72 hours after a report of neglect or dependency. The investigation must include a visit to the child’s home and interviews with the child, his parents, the alleged perpetrator, and other collateral contacts such as relatives, neighbors, or agencies involved with the family. Most investigations are completed within 30 days. If the investigation reveals that a child has been the victim of abuse or neglect, but removal from the home is not necessary, the Department will provide in-home services to the family to work with the family to remedy the problems that resulted in the child maltreatment.