Child Protection Branch

Child Protection Branch

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Child Protection Branch provides consultation and state program guidance for child protective services cases. Central office staff helps develop standards of practice for inclusion in the state manual and provides real-time guidance to cases as required by field personnel.

KRS 620.030(1) - Anyone with a reasonable suspicion that a child is dependent, abused or neglected is rquried to make a report to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

​The following basic information is requested:

  • The child's name, sex and approximate age
  • The name of the person believed to have been responsible for the abuse or neglect
  • A description of the injury, neglect or threatened harm to the child
  • The current location of the child such as day care, school or home address
  • Any immediate risk to the child or a worker going out to ensure the child's safety (i.e., guns)
  • The reporter's name and identifying information if the caller wishes to give that information. Anonymous reports are accepted and investigated.

KRS 620.050(1) Good Faith Immunity
KRS 620.050(11) Confidentiality.

KRS 620.072 - A school or childcare provider shall provide access to the child without parental consent.

​No. Only the police have that authority if they feel that a child is in imminent danger. A judge can issue an emergency custody order (ECO) for a child to be picked up and held for 72 hours before a hearing. KRS 620.040(3)(b) allows a hospital administrator or a physician treating a child to hold that child without a court order but they must request an ECO within 72 hours.

​If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please contact the statewide Child Abuse Hotline toll free at (877) 597-2331 to make a report.  You also may go online to the Child Reporting System Monday-Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern time to make a report.

KRS 620.050(1) Good Faith Immunity
KRS 620.050(11) Confidentiality

​Reports are investigated by DCBS. Based on information obtained during the investigation, services may be offered to maintain the family. Children are removed only if the home is unsafe.

For information regarding reporting standards and investigation protocol, please review the Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect Booklet​.

Contact Information

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