What is Child Protection?
A. Child protection is keeping children safe from child abuse and neglect. This is the foundation on which child protective services (CPS) is established and should always be the first goal of any CPS response. The CPS response begins with the assessment of reports of child abuse and neglect. If CPS determines the child is at risk of abuse and neglect or has been abused or neglected, CPS should ensure the child and his or her family receive services and supports from the public child protection agency and the community.
The term ‘Child Protection’ is used in different ways by different organisations in different situations. Children are often subjected to violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect. In its simplest form, child protection addresses every child’s right not to be subjected to harm. It complements other rights that, inter alia, ensure that children receive what they need in order to survive, develop and thrive.A successful protection action increases a child’s chances to grow up healthy, confident and self-respecting both physically and mentally and therefore less likely to abuse or exploit others, including his or her own children.
