State child protection involves situations where parents are investigated by that state for allegedly neglecting or abusing their child. Each state's Department of Social Services or the division of Child and Family Services, often called Child Protective Services, handles state child protection.
 
The procedure for state child protection is as follows:

• A report of suspected abuse or neglect is made to the appropriate state agency.
• By law, a caseworker or law enforcement officer must investigate the report's validity. A protective services investigation is a fact-finding process. It includes gathering information through interviews, observations, reviewing documents and use of the risk assessment tool.
• If the child is determined to be at risk, the child may be put in temporary placement out of their homes to ensure their safety.
• Usually, the child will be kept with his or her parents unless there is an unequivocal safety concern.
• If the situation is serious, the Court will become involved in the child's life and determine what should be done.
• Social services can provide rehabilitative services to children, parents, and other family members if needed.

Ethically, all people should report child abuse that is known to them. However, some people are legally required to report suspected cases of child abuse. The individuals include:

• Medical and hospital personnel
• School officials
• Social service workers
• Residential care workers
• Law enforcement personnel