Welcome to Children's Services.

To Report Child Abuse or Neglect call: (209) 468-1333

The Department of Social Services may, to the extent the Department deems necessary to respond to the COVID-19 crisis, allow any state monthly face-to-face caseworker visitation requirement, standard, or criteria set forth in the Welfare and Institutions Code sections 16501.1, subdivision (l), 16516.5, and 16516.6, as well as accompanying regulations or other written directives, policies or procedures, to be accomplished through videoconferencing, instead of in-person contact. This flexibility shall only be utilized by caseworkers in keeping with guidance from the Department and after a child-specific decision based on the training and experience of the social worker, considering all available information, that an in-person visit is not necessary to ensure the child’s safety and well-being. Any flexibility granted pursuant to this paragraph shall not waive or conflict with applicable federal requirements in United States Code, Title 42, sections 622, subdivision (b)(17) and 624, subdivision (f), as modified for emergency waivers in guidance issued March 18, 2020, in the Child Welfare Policy Manual Title IV-B, section 7.3, question 8and shall expire at the end of the emergency declaration, in 90 days, or sooner as determined by the Department.

What is Child Abuse?

  • Physical abuse
    • Any non-accidental act that results in physical injury (bruises, bite marks, burns, abrasions, lacerations, fractures, internal injuries)
    • Can be discipline that went too far and left bruises or otherwise injured a child
    • Shaken Baby Syndrome
  • Neglect
  • Emotional Abuse
    •  Belittling, screaming, threatening a child to the point that they withdraw, act out, have problems with basic functioning (eating, sleeping, concentrating at school, etc.)
    •  Exposing a child to violence (verbal or physical) in the home that leads to problems with basic functioning
  • Sexual Abuse
    •  An adult engaging in any sexual act with a minor
  • Failing to meet basic needs in terms of food, clothing, shelter, medical care or supervision
  • Failing to protect a child from someone abusing them in some way 

Helpful Numbers

Child Abuse Hotline

(209) 468-1333

Elder Abuse

(209) 468-3780 or
(888) 800-4800

Fraud Hotline

(209) 953-7733