Child Protective Services

Child Protective Services is committed to the safety of children at risk for abuse, neglect and dependency. We strive to ensure a safe, nurturing home for children in Davidson County.

Jurisdiction

Children ages birth to 17 who are not married or emancipated. The person alleged to have harmed the child is a parent, custodian or caretaker. A caretaker is an adult who resides in the home or a relative entrusted with the child’s care. We also investigate day cares and group homes.

We investigate / assess cases where the child is alleged to have been abused, neglected or is dependent. Abuse can be physical, sexual or emotional. Neglect can take the form of improper care, supervision or discipline or the child resides in an injurious environment. Dependency occurs when there is no parent, custodian or caretaker to be responsible for a child’s care or the parent, custodian or caretaker is not capable of caring for the child.

If we find the child has been harmed we make every effort to keep the family together by providing services which will strengthen the family and increase safety. However, the child’s safety comes first and at times we have to seek court action to place the child in a safe environment.

Report Suspected Child Abuse, Neglect, Dependency

During Office Hours

Call 336-242-2500, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You may also make your report in person by coming to:

Lexington Office of the Department of Social Services
913 Greensboro Street
Lexington, NC 27292

Outside Office Hours / Emergencies

After hours, weekends and holidays call 911 for emergencies or 336-249-0131 for non-emergencies.

Process

When calling to make a report please provide as much information as possible regarding the name, address and phone number of the persons involved, directions to the home and persons who can corroborate the information reported. We will ask you questions about the family, the details of the alleged maltreatment and also about any strengths and resources the family has which could assist with the situation. Your identity will not be revealed to the family unless ordered by the Court, which is a rare occurrence. It is important that we know how to reach you as we may need further information and if the family moves you may be able to assist us in knowing their whereabouts. You are entitled to receive written notice as to whether your report was accepted and if so, whether court action was sought to protect the child.

Note: Please do not send an email or use our website to make a CPS Report. We have to gather a great deal of information from you at the time of the report.