37% of Children Investigated by CPS by Age 18

How likely is it that CPS will investigate your family?

Over 37% of children will experience a child protective services (CPS) investigation by the time they turn 18, according to the American Public Health Association (APHA). In other words, the study shows that more than one in every three children will be the subject of a CPS investigation.

CPS investigations are more common than perhaps most people recognize. The study notes that the APHA’s estimate that 37.4% of children will be investigated by CPS before their 18th birthday is three times the rate previously established (which only considered substantiated events). Given the fact that practically anyone can make a report to CPS (and do so anonymously and with immunity), it is no wonder that CPS investigations are so prevalent.  

Over the years, we have handled numerous cases for our member families who were the subjects of unfounded investigations by CPS or the police (or both). Earlier this month, we wrote about a member family whose swimming instructor reported them to CPS.

These parents were not expecting to open their front door and be face to face with a social worker or a police officer, but this study indicates that the odds of that happening are not as low as we might wish.

Read the entire study here (purchase required): Lifetime Prevalence of Investigating Child Maltreatment Among US Children. Here is a free article that discusses the findings of the above study: 1 in 3 children investigated for abuse/neglect by 18

Please note that by clicking the above link(s), you are leaving heritagedefense.org and may encounter inappropriate content and images that are not endorsed by Heritage Defense.

If you are a member of Heritage Defense and your family is ever falsely accused of child abuse or neglect through social services, we are ready to defend you and your rights. Please share this post and encourage others to learn more about Heritage Defense.

If you are not yet a member, please join today to have 24/7 access to experienced, Christian attorneys ready to defend your family.