MCPS Increases Reporting to Child Protective Services

The Town Courier reports that the number of cases reported to Child Protective Services during fiscal year 2016 increased to 3,347 incidences. The increase was attributed to a change in policy encouraging employees of Montgomery County Public Schools to report and to err on the side of caution. Some county employees are also "mandated reporters," meaning that they have licensing requirements to report suspected abuse, such as mental health professionals. There was indicated abuse in five of the cases, which means there was credible evidence of neglect or abuse. If there is evidence of abuse or neglect, the abusive individual can face serious consequences such as criminal charges, loss of parental rights or being subject to the oversight of County Department of Health and Human Services.