Child Protective Services' Emergency Response Program operates the 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline (916-875-KIDS). Through this hotline, staff members receive confidential reports of suspected child abuse or neglect.  Reports are investigated to determine if the child's health or safety are at risk.

The Emergency Response unit:

• Investigate complaints of child abuse
• Determine the family’s need for services
• Make referrals to other CPS programs and/or community programs
• Remove children from high-risk unsafe abusive situations
• Continue ongoing investigation after removal of a child
• Initiate Juvenile Court proceedings for the protection of the child
• Determine if the child can be safely returned home
• Prepare court reports