CPS Just Contacted Me. What Should I Do?

If Child Protective Services or a similar agency has contacted you, it's natural to feel overwhelmed. What you do in the first hours and days can matter for how the rest of the process unfolds.

Stay calm and write things down

Note the caseworker's name, agency, and contact information. Write down the date, time, and substance of any conversation as soon as you can while it's fresh.

Understand that anything you say may be part of the record

Conversations with a caseworker, even informal ones, can become part of the case record. Consider speaking with an attorney before a formal interview.

Don't sign anything without understanding it

Safety plans and service agreements are legal documents. Once signed, they can be difficult to undo. Reviewing these with an attorney before signing is worth the time.

Reach out for guidance

You don't need to have all the answers before contacting a lawyer. Sharing what happened is the first step toward understanding your options.