CPS
/ɡbs/from spelling rules
CPS is the Spanish abbreviation for Child Protective Services, a government agency that investigates reports of child abuse and neglect.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, the equivalent of CPS is known as the Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar (ICBF).
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡbs/
Did you know?
- While 'CPS' is a bureaucratic term in English, Spanish speakers often use the phrase quitarle los niños meaning 'to take the children away' when discussing the agency's most feared action.
- The term bienestar found in many Spanish child agencies translates to 'well-being' or 'welfare' and stems from the Latin bene (well) and estare (to be).
- While CPS is used in the US, a person in Mexico would likely refer to the Procuraduría de Protección de Niñas, Niños y Adolescentes to describe the specific legal entity handling child welfare.
Examples in context
- Necesito contactar con el Servicio de Protección de Menores debido a un caso de abuso infantil.I need to contact CPS regarding child abuse.
- El trabajador del Servicio de Protección de Menores es responsable de investigar la negligencia hacia los niños.The CPS worker is responsible for investigating child neglect.
- Tuvieron que llamar a CPS.They had to call CPS.
- La trabajadora de CPS llegó a la casa.The CPS worker arrived at the house.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a difficult situation in their neighborhood.
- DanielDaniel, estoy muy preocupada por ese niño.Daniel, I am very worried about that child.
- SofíaYo también, Sofía. Quizás debas llamar a CPS.Me too, Sofía. Maybe you should call CPS.
- Daniel¿Crees que CPS pueda ayudar realmente?Do you think CPS can actually help?
- SofíaSí, ellos tienen los recursos necesarios.Yes, they have the necessary resources.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
