Legal Definitions - Child Protective Services

Child Protective Services (CPS) is a government agencyresponsible for investigating reports of child abuse and neglect. They also provide support services to families and administer the foster care program.

For example, if a teacher notices that a child has bruises and suspects abuse, they may report it to CPS. CPS will then investigate the situation and provide services to the family to ensure the child's safety.

Child-rearing refers to the practices and customs used to raise children, whether in a specific family or in society as a whole.

For example, some families may choose to use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior in their children, while others may use punishment. These practices can vary depending on cultural and societal norms.