The CYS staff and FCC providers are required by regulation to report any suspected incidents of child ahuse or neglect. If they notice suspicious bruises, cuts or burns on a child, they must report it to the installation Family Advocacy Program Manager and also notify the appropriate CYS program director. Fairfax County Child Protective Services are contacted and may determine whether or not to investigate further.

CYS policy requires written incident reports for all falls, scratches, bruises, bites and scrapes that occur while your child is in our care. You will be asked to sign the report as documentation that you were informed of the incident.

A hot line number is posted in each of our homes and facilities for parents wanting to report or discuss suspected abuse beyond the installation level.

Minimizing the Risk of Child Abuse

Our CDCs are built to minimize the risk of or potential for child abuse. Vision panels in doorways and hallways allow better supervision of activity rooms. Entrances to the buildings are limited and monitored. Exits to unfenced areas are alarmed. Bathrooms are within classroom areas and are easily monitored. Employees and FCC providers undergo several background checks prior to acceptance into the programs. Personal references are checked for accuracy. Only the best qualified actually become caregivers and providers. All direct care personnel participate in annual training on child abuse recognition, reporting, and prevention. Adult/child ratios are monitored hourly. Parents are notified of all field trips off the installation. Sign in/out sheets and daily attendance records promote accountability. An open door policy is extended to all CYS parents. Staff and Visitors to the CDCs wear identification badges.