April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and take action to protect children in our communities. As child welfare professionals, we often hear questions about when, how, and under what circumstances it may be necessary to call Child Protective Services (CPS). We understand that making such a call can feel daunting. You may worry about making a mistake or assume someone else will report the situation. However, knowing when to act can be crucial in ensuring a child's safety. 

We want to help you feel confident and empowered in recognizing and reporting potential abuse or neglect. Here are some questions to guide you: 

When Should I Call CPS?

The three main reasons to call CPS are when you suspect: 

1. Physical Abuse: If a child has sustained a serious injury or is in immediate danger, or if they disclose harm caused by another person. 

2. Neglect: When a parent or caregiver fails to provide basic needs, leading to harm or risk of harm. 

3. Sexual Abuse: If a caregiver has committed or enabled sexual acts against a child or exposed them to sexual situations. 

What Happens After I Call? 

When you call Michigan's Centralized Intake at (855) 444-3911, a child welfare professional will gather information. They may either screen out (deny) the report if it doesn’t meet the criteria for abuse or neglect or assign it for investigation. If assigned, CPS has 24 hours to ensure the child’s safety, often conducting interviews at school or home. 

What If I’m Not Sure Abuse Happened? 

It’s okay if you don’t have all the details. You only need reasonable suspicion to make a report. Multiple reports from concerned individuals can help CPS build a clearer picture of a child’s environment. Remember, your call can remain anonymous, and there are no penalties for reporting concerns in good faith. 

Will the Child Be Taken Away? 

Removing a child is a last resort. CPS prioritizes keeping families together by implementing safety plans and offering services. Children are only removed when there is an immediate risk of harm that cannot be addressed otherwise. 



Together, we can help protect the children in our community. When in doubt, make the call.

Do you think of CFS as a “green” organization? If you’re familiar with our YouthWork Conservation Corps and CFS’ Core Value of Sustainability—protecting the earth in which we and our stakeholders live—you will answer with a resounding, “Yes!” 

The YouthWork program has been mentoring youth as they complete green projects for communities all over Michigan since 2018. And for the past several years, the CFS Green Team, founded to support the Board-approved Core Value of Sustainability, has been doing projects and making changes at CFS in support of a greener workplace and world. 

Some of the most impactful Green Team activities involve partnering with our friends at Keen Technical Solutions to implement energy- and money-saving technology at our Veterans Drive office, along with other projects--like our 2024 Earth Day wall calendar, sharing fun ways to eat lower on the food chain and reduce waste, and the development of a new outdoor space for clients and staff, including a gazebo. 



This year, the CFS Green Team will celebrate Earth Day by showing off our green improvements to staff and funders. And we will share this message with all: It’s Earth Day Every Day! 

We had the honor of welcoming Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan!

She met with our staff for an important conversation about how we can continue to support children and families throughout northern Michigan. Her visit reaffirmed the importance of our mission and the work being done to ensure every child has the safety, stability, and support they deserve.



We are grateful for her time, insight, and commitment to the well-being of Michigan’s youth!

Our child welfare, counseling, wraparound and respite programs are accredited by CARF International, assuring the more than 1,000 buisnesses, individuals, and organizations who contributed to our work last year of our commitment to clinical, administrative, and fiscal excellence.

Candid has awarded CFS the highest level of organizational transparency, reflecting our commitment to integrity and accountability.