The CPS system is primarily concerned with investigating allegations of child maltreatment and with providing care for children who cannot safely remain in their own homes. The CPS system is increasingly focused on serious child abuse and neglect cases involving children and families who live without the necessary family and community supports in neighborhoods characterized by deprivation, drug abuse, and violence. Following an overview of the historical context of child welfare, the author discusses child abuse and neglect as a specialty within child welfare and child welfare policies. Two conceptual models of current CPS agencies are briefly described: (1) CPS systems that begin with the intake of reports on child abuse and neglect, move on to the investigation, and end with the substantiation decision; and (2) CPS systems that define their role as beginning with intake and ending when the case is closed for service. Current issues in child abuse and neglect policies are outlined that focus on early intervention and prevention services, the need to meet children's basic needs, the need for a comprehensive response to child abuse and neglect as opposed to categorical programs, and community supports and services for children and their families. 18 references