When Child Welfare is Involved
When the Department of Social Services (DSS) receives a report of suspected neglect or abuse, they are required to investigate. If they determine that the child is not safe in the home, they can either take custody of the child at that time or they can create a Temporary Placement Safety Agreement with the family, and the child is cared for temporarily by relatives.
Temporary Placement Safety Agreement (TPSA)
A voluntary, short‐term plan between parents and DSS during the assessment phase of a case if there is a safety concern in the home. During the TPSA, the child is usually cared for by a relative.
DSS Takes Custody
If DSS finds that a child cannot be cared for safely by their parents they file a dependency action in Juvenile Court to take legal custody of the child. See what options are available to you as a kinship caregiver.