Do you know how CPS/DFS/ChildWelfare really works?

Question by Mellie from facebook!: Do you know how CPS/DFS/ChildWelfare really works?
I keep hearing people on here say “they will come out and investigate every reported case of abuse” well that’s just not true. Like police investigations it’s illegal to investigate without possible cause. Things like hearsay are not possible causes.

Here is a direct quote from a website about how Child wealfare works in the USA
“What happens when possible abuse or neglect is reported?

Any concerned person can report suspicions of child abuse or neglect. Most reports are made by people who are required by State law to report suspicions of child abuse and neglect—mandatory reporters.As of January 2008, statutes in approximately 18 States and Puerto Rico require any person who suspects child abuse or neglect to report it. Reports of possible child abuse and neglect are generally received by child protective services (CPS) workers and either “screened in” or “screened out.” A report is screened in if there is sufficient information to suggest an investigation is warranted. A report may be screened out if there is not enough information on which to follow up or if the situation reported does not meet the State’s legal definition of abuse or neglect.”
http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/cpswork.cfm

PQ: Would you call the police if you heard from a friend that a mutual friend may or may not be neglecting their child?
here is the question that prompted this one
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Aj1Fs.N.B5rlvJHBDMdc.5Psy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20100907184143AAA9zmq&show=7#profile-info-1pyPzjQ9aa

Best answer:

Answer by Julia
Always call if you think a child is being mistreated or neglected. Atleast you would be abel to look back and say that you tried

Add your own answer in the comments!