Child Protective Services


Resource Family Approval (RFA) Unit – formerly known as Foster Care

RFA is a process a family must complete to care for foster youth. The term RFA home is replacing the term Foster Home, Relative Placement and Non Related Extended Family Member. All homes that house and care for foster youth are now referred to as RFA.

To find out more about caring for foster youth please contact the Tehama County RFA Social Worker at 530-527-1911. For more information about becoming a Resource Family click the link to the California Department of Social Services website.

http://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/Resource-Family-Approval-Program

Reporting Abuse & Neglect

Tehama County Child Protective Services receives reports of abuse & neglect, and is the agency responsible to assess and respond to investigate circumstances of abuse and/or neglect that meet the criteria for an in-person response. Many reports are received from Mandated Reporters who are required to report abuse and neglect on the SS 8572 form.

https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/childabuse/ss_8572.pdf

Investigative Response (IR) Social Workers receive and assess child abuse & neglect reports, and conduct child abuse & neglect investigations when the referral meets the statute threshold. Reports of child abuse & neglect can be made by calling the abuse & neglect hotline at 1-800-323-7711.

While the safety and protection of the child(ren) is the primary goal; maintaining the family unit with supportive services is emphasized when possible. Many times a safety threat can be mitigated to allow for a child to remain safely in their family home, and avoid entry into foster care. Investigative Response Services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


TO REPORT CHILD ABUSE CALL 1-800-323-7711

Child Abuse Hotline

The Child Abuse Hotline is available 24 hours a day, every day to receive reports and investigate suspected child abuse. Community members have an important role in protecting children from abuse and neglect. If you suspect that a child you know is being abused, neglected, or exploited, you can make a referral by calling:

Toll Free: 1-800-323-7711
Local Calls: (530) 527-1911
Fax: (530) 527-7640

The goal of Child Protective Services (CPS) is to ensure the safety of children. CPS strives to keep children in their own home whenever it is safe. When it is determined that a child cannot remain safely at home, CPS seeks to develop an alternate plan that meets the child's needs in the least restrictive manner as quickly as possible.

CPS provides services to children and their families when children are victims of, or at risk of, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or parental absence. California law defines child abuse or neglect as any of the following:

  • A child is physically injured by non-accidental means.
  • A child is subjected to willful cruelty or unjustifiable punishment.
  • A child is abused or exploited sexually.
  • A child is neglected by a parent or caretaker who fails to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care or supervision.