Family & Children’s Services (FCS) branch offers child protective Services to children, youth, and families in Monterey County. FCS’s mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect. Our goal is to keep children and youth safe and within the protection of a permanent family.

24 Hour Child Protective Services (CPS)

Child Protective Services are mandated by Federal and State Law to investigate and respond to all allegations of suspected child abuse and neglect. Reports of abuse and neglect can be reported to these hotlines:

1-800-606-6618 or 831-755-4661

Mandated Reporters

Steps for Mandated Reporters

1. Call the Hotline at: 1-800-606-6618 or 831-755-4661 to make your report.

2. Submit the Suspected Child Abuse Report (SCAR) form to FCS by fax within 36 hours of your report.

3. Send to confidential fax number 831-796-8529 for use by mandated reporters only. Do not fax other information to this number.

MANDATED REPORTERS – PLEASE NOTE

You have not met your legal obligation as a mandated reporter unless you have called the hotline AND submitted the SCAR. If you fail to call and make a report to a hotline worker, you may be liable for not reporting under California’s mandated reporter laws.

Suspected Child Abuse Report
Suspected Child Abuse Report Instructions

More information about child protection program and forms can be found at the State of California Office of the Attorney General at www.oag.ca.gov/childabuse.

Mandated Reporter Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC)

The goal of CAPC of Monterey County is to reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect. To achieve this goal CAPC coordinates prevention and awareness efforts in Monterey County. They provide free training for mandated reporters, educators, child care workers, and non-profit agencies that work with children. CAPC is a prime sponsor in support of community events and non-profit agencies who provide an array of family services. Members of the Council are appointed by the Board of Supervisors and represent a broad cross section of public officials, service organizations, and Monterey County citizens.

Child Abuse Prevention Council can be reached at 831-755-4475.

Child Abuse Prevention Council

Become a Resource family to foster a child

Resource parents are a very important source of care and support for children when they are not able to remain safely in their own homes. Resource parents help children through difficult times with love, comfort, and guidance. While in foster care, a child receives food, clothing and shelter. Resource parents arrange for medical care as needed, and help children grow through educational, cultural and social experiences.

The Resource Family Approval (RFA) Unit can be reached at 831-755-4475 or TTY/TTD Phone #: 831-899-8248.

Adoption

Family and Children’s services is a licensed adoption agency that works to arrange permanent home placements for children. Adoption services include recruitment and screening of prospective parents, training and educational services, and finalizing adoptions.

Salinas: 831-755-4475