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When you call CPCS, one of our staff members will ask you important questions so we can determine what is best for you and your child.
We may decide you and your child should come to our clinic for an intake or other outpatient service. We may also decide that an outside community resource may be better for everyone involved and direct you to them.
Our decision where to send you and your child is based on the following questions:
- Safety: Is your child at imminent or ongoing risk of harm?
- Stability: Is your child's emotional state and social environment appropriate for intervention at this time?
- System status: Is your family involved in legal or protective investigations or other services at this time?
Who makes up the CPCS staff?
Our staff includes physicians, social workers, psychologists, administrative/intake members and a nurse. We are all trained to deal with children in a sensitive manner.
Meet the Team
What will happen when my child and I come to CPCS?
When you arrive at CPCS you will meet with our staff for an evaluation. The evaluation will include interviews with you and your child and any other primary caregivers and a medical exam. We may contact or work with other service providers when we are completing your evaluation.
After your first evaluation at CPCS, we may schedule additional evaluations for you and your child. Typically, we have parents and children participate in five sessions of evaluations.
What happens after my evaluation(s)?
After the evaluation(s), we may recommend further evaluations or refer you or your child for treatment. Referrals for treatment may include counseling.
Clinicians may also communicate with your child's pediatrician or other professionals.
If necessary, we may file a report of suspected abuse or neglect with the Department of Social Services (DSS), as required by law. If a report has already been filed, we will work with DSS to provide information and assistance. We may also work with the District Attorney's Office in criminal cases.
Do you ever refer children and families to agencies outside of Children's?
In some cases, you and your child may be better served by professionals outside of Children's. If an outside professional can see you more quickly or is located closer to your home, we may consider referring you to them.
How do I know if my child or I are eligible for CPCS services?
After an intake is conducted, our clinic staff will review all of the information that you have provided us with. We will determine whether your child will be best served at CPCS or at an alternative service provider.
Does health insurance cover CPCS services?
Some health insurance policies will cover the full cost of services at CPCS, while others may not.
Our staff will help you find out whether your insurance will cover our services or not. We will work with you and Children's Financial Counseling when you are considering using CPCS or another non-Children's service provider.
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The Child Protection Clinical Services (CPCS) Program at Children's Hospital Boston is an outpatient program that works with abused children and their families. We also provide domestic violence advocacy and interpreter services to families who are receiving help from us.
