Filing a Child Protective Services (CPS) Report – Prince George’s County, Maryland
A Child Protective Services (CPS) report is a formal report made to the local Department of Social Services (DSS) when there is reasonable suspicion that a child is being abused or neglected.
Under Maryland law, certain professionals, such as mental health clinicians, educators, and healthcare providers, are designated as mandated reporters. These individuals are legally required to report any suspicion of abuse or neglect immediately to CPS or law enforcement.
The purpose of a CPS report is to ensure that concerns of abuse or neglect are properly investigated by the appropriate authorities, with the ultimate goal of ensuring the safety and well-being of the child.
When to File a CPS Report
A CPS report must be filed immediately when there is reason to believe that a child:
Has been physically, sexually, or emotionally abused, or
Is being neglected, or
Is in immediate danger of harm.
You are not required to have proof of abuse or neglect only a reasonable suspicion based on what you’ve observed, heard, or been told.
Note: If a child is in immediate danger or a crime is in progress, call 911 first.
Common Triggers for Filing:
You should file a CPS report when:
A child discloses abuse or neglect.
You observe unexplained injuries, bruises, or signs of malnutrition or neglect.
You witness dangerous living conditions or a severe lack of supervision.
You suspect emotional or sexual abuse.
A caregiver appears unable or unwilling to meet a child’s basic needs.
Step 1: Determine the Correct County
Before filing, determine which county has jurisdiction over the case.
CPS reports must be filed in the county where the child resides or where the incident occurred.
How to Identify the County
Ask the client for their full residential address or check their registered address on TherapyNotes.
Use Google or Google Maps to confirm the county.
Once confirmed, search Google for:
“How to file a CPS report for [County Name] Maryland”
Follow the county-specific instructions and contact information provided.
Note: If you are unsure which county to contact or cannot locate the appropriate instructions, reach out to Sindhura or anyone from the Management Team for guidance.
Step 2: General CPS Reporting Procedure (Maryland)
Regardless of the county, the process for filing a CPS report in Maryland follows these key steps:
1. Make an Immediate Oral Report (Phone Call)
Contact the local Department of Social Services (DSS) / Child Protective Services (CPS).
If you cannot reach them, contact law enforcement.
Always call 911 for emergencies or imminent danger.
2. Provide Key Information
When speaking to CPS, provide as much of the following as possible:
Child’s name, age, and address
Current location of the child
Parent(s) or guardian(s) name(s) and contact information
Alleged abuser’s name and address (if known)
Nature and extent of suspected abuse or neglect
Date/time and location of the alleged incident(s)
How you became aware (e.g., observation, disclosure, etc.)
Other children living in the home
Important: Provide factual, objective observations only. Do not attempt to investigate or confirm the abuse yourself.
3. Submit a Written Report (Within 48 Hours)
Mandated reporters must complete a written report within 48 hours of the oral report.
Use the Maryland Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Form (DHS/SSA Form 180 or PS-60) and submit it to both the local DSS and the State’s Attorney’s Office in the same county.
Step 3: Prince George’s County CPS Reporting Instructions
The following instructions apply only to Prince George’s County, Maryland.
A. Oral Report (Immediate Action)
Contact Numbers (24/7):
PG County DSS Central Intake: 301-909-2450
Maryland Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-917-7383 (1-800-91-PREVENT)
Emergency: Call 911 if a child is in immediate danger.
HIGHLY IMPORTANT: All mandated reporters must make this oral report immediately upon suspicion of abuse or neglect.
B. Information to Provide
Be ready to share:
Child’s name, age, and home address
Child’s current location
Parent or caregiver information
Alleged abuser’s information (if known)
Type and details of the suspected abuse or neglect
Time and location of incident(s)
How you became aware of the concern
Any other children living in the home
Note: Keep your statements factual and brief. CPS will conduct the investigation.
C. Written Report (Within 48 Hours)
Mandated reporters must submit a written report within 48 hours of the oral report.
Form: Maryland DHS/SSA Form 180 (Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Form)
Submit to:
Prince George’s County Department of Social Services (DSS)
805 Brightseat Road, Landover, MD 20785
Fax: (301) 909-2460
State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County, Maryland
14735 Main Street, Suite 349M (Courthouse), Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Fax: (301) 952-5061
D. Documentation in the Client Record (Internal Use)
After filing a CPS report, therapists or clinicians must document and or create a Note in TherapyNotes:
That a CPS report was made
Date and time of the report
Name of the person contacted at CPS
Reference or case number (if provided)
Note: Do not include full report details or identifying third-party information in the clinical record. Keep notes objective, factual, and minimal.
Step 4: Confidentiality and Legal Protections
Mandated reporters must identify themselves, but are protected from legal liability when reporting in good faith.
Reports made in good faith cannot result in disciplinary or civil action against the reporter.
Knowingly making a false or malicious report can result in penalties.
Reporters’ identities are kept confidential except as required by law.
Disclaimer
️ These procedures are specific to Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Reporting procedures, forms, and contact information differ by county and are subject to change.
Always verify the appropriate contact information for the county where the child resides or where the incident occurred.
For other counties, search Google using the format:
“How to file a CPS report for [County Name] Maryland.”
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