Physical abuse and other forms of abuse are a crime. Many times law enforcement is the first contacted and will contact CWS if the kids need to be detained (usually they are arresting the parent/parents). CWS and law enforcement cross report to each other. Individual law enforcement agencies may or may not have someone who specializes in child abuse investigation/assessment. CWS works with officers in the individual towns as well as the Sheriff's office depending on location. CWS social workers use the child abuse protocol to assess the level of risk to the health and safety of a child and make a determination about where the child can be kept safe and away from further harm.
Pursuant to the California Department of Social Services, Manual of Policies and Procedures, Division 31, an emergency response protocol means the documented activities of the Emergency Response Social Worker necessary to determine whether or not an in-person investigation is appropriate. An Emergency Response referral means a referral that alleges child abuse, neglect, or exploitation as defined by Penal Code Section 11165 and the Division 31 regulations. Emergency Response in-person investigation means a face-to-face response by a Social Worker skilled in Emergency Response for the purpose of determining the potential for or the existence of any conditions which places the child or any other children in the household at risk and in need of services and which would cause the child to be a person described by Welfare and Institutions Code Sections 300a through 300jj. Emergency Shelter Care means the provision of a protective environment for a child who must be immediately removed, pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code Section300, from his/her own home or current foster care placement, and who cannot be immediately returned to his/her own home or foster care placement.
In short, CWS Emergency Response is a 24-hour service that is available to respond to reports of child abuse.
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