Child Protective Investigator
In Polk County, a Child Protective Investigator works closely with law enforcement officers while protecting children during investigations into alleged child abuse or neglect.
The CPI will collect information through interviews with the children, parents, relatives, neighbors, and other parties associated with the case. The CPI might create a safety plan or trigger court intervention.
Many of these investigations begin with a call to the Florida Abuse Hotline, a criminal investigation, or an arrest.
Under Section 39.201, employees or agents of the District School Board have an affirmative duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.
These mandatory reporters have immunity from liability if they report such cases in good faith and comply with Child Protective Investigations.
Attorney for CPI Investigations in Polk County, FL
If you are contacted by a CPI investigator in Polk County, FL, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Sammis Law Firm.
The attorneys at Sammis Law Firm represent clients throughout Polk County, FL, and the cities of Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Dundee, Eagle Lake, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Highland Park, Hillcrest Heights, Lake Alfred, Lake Hamilton, Lakeland, Lake Wales, Mulberry, Polk City, and Winter Haven.
Our attorneys can help you resolve an investigation by a CPI investigator as part of a child abuse investigation.
Call 813-250-0500.
Duties of Child Protective Investigators in Polk County, FL
In Polk County, FL, child protection investigators provide risk assessments. CPI also makes recommendations for child safety and support services.
Child protection investigators have special training in assessing children who may be physically abused, sexually abused, and those who lack health care, including medically neglected children.
Services include specialized and forensic interviews and providing expert medical, psychological, and related professional testimony in court cases.
Some types of cases involving child abuse, abandonment, or neglect must be referred to a child protection team, including:
- head injuries
- bruises
- alleged child sexual abuse
- reported malnutrition or failure to thrive
- medical neglect
Even a DUI arrest with a child passenger in Polk County, FL, might trigger a home visit with the child protective investigator.
This article was last updated on Tuesday, April 11, 2022.
