DC Child and Family Services Agency

About DC Child and Family Services Agency

The DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) is the public child welfare agency in the District of Columbia responsible for protecting child victims and those at risk of abuse and neglect and assisting their families. CFSA has four primary functions: * Report Intake and Investigation: CFSA’s Office of Hotline and Investigations (OHI) accepts reports of known or suspected child abuse or neglect involving children up to age 18 in the District, 24 hours a day, at 202-671-SAFE. When a report suggests that a child may have experienced abuse or neglect as defined by law, OHI is required to investigate to determine whether the allegation is substantiated. Investigative social workers examine reports involving parents, guardians, or others acting in a parental role, when the incident occurs within the District. * Assist Families: In child welfare, supporting children often means working directly with their parents or caregivers. When CFSA identifies that a child has been abused or neglected, licensed social workers—both from CFSA and partner organizations—step in to ensure the child’s safety while engaging with the family. These social workers connect families with services and resources that help them address long-standing challenges that place their children at risk. * Provide Safe Out-of-Home Care: When a child or children cannot safely remain at home with their parents/caregivers, CFSA temporarily separates children to safe settings, preferably with kin and if not available with vetted and licensed caregivers and providers. CFSA, in partnership with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) seeks agreement with the separation from DC Superior Court -Family Court. * Re-establish Permanent Homes: All children and youth grow up best in a family. CFSA works to ensure every child and youth leaves the system to family by returning safely to parents/caregivers, to go to a permanent home with relatives or others through guardianship, or to join a new forever fa