Lesson One - How To Report
Who do I report to?
A report is made first by calling the Family Independence Agency’s (FIA) Children’s Protective Services (CPS) (248-975-5010 in Oakland County) as soon as you suspect child abuse and neglect. Next you must complete a WRITTEN REPORT (FORM 3200) WITHIN 72 HOURS. It is not necessary to have absolute proof of maltreatment. You only need a suspicion that abuse and neglect may be occurring. You should not conduct an investigation. That is the responsibility of the CPS and, in some cases, Law Enforcement.
How do I fill out a report?
The 3200 Report asks for complete information about the child or children involved, including parents, address, alleged perpretator, and a description of the injury or condition leading to the suspicion of abuse or neglect. Some reporters will find it helpful to complete the 3200 report before making the call to CPS. In some cases, you may not be the firsthand witness but are the responsible party for reporting. It will be important to have the that witness at hand to help complete the report and to help during discussion with the CPS worker.
You must disclose your identity when you report; however, it will remain confidential and cannot be disclosed without your consent or without judicial process [MCL 722.625]. This means that Children Protective Services cannot disclose the reporting source on any referral unless ordered by the court. Sometimes families are able to guess who called CPS but the worker, by law, must not disclose that information.
