Child Protection Referral Unit

The Child Protection Referral Unit is comprised of five sheriff’s service officers and a sergeant. These members are charged with receiving reports of alleged child abuse from the Florida Department of Children and Families (DC&F) and reviewing those reports and consulting with child protection investigators of the DC&F regarding the allegations contained in those reports. They then forward substantiated, suspicious, or false reports to the Special Victims Units for follow up investigation and final disposition. They also forward previously unreported instances of domestic violence for investigation.

During their investigations, members conduct criminal background checks, warrant inquiries, and state and local checks on the parties involved in the referrals that they review. Sheriff’s service officers review some 300 to 400 referrals each month and generate reports to document their findings and for reference by detectives.

The Child Protection Referral Unit maintains offices within the building housing the Department of Children and Families, allowing for a very close working relationship between our agencies. The Child Protection Referral Unit also works closely with other local, state, and local agencies to ensure the safety of all children and elderly adults within Polk County.