In 2024, Monroe County conducted 6,768 Child Protective Services (CPS) investigations, but 76% were unfounded, meaning no abuse or neglect was found, according to a joint report by HOPE585 and The Children’s Agenda.
The report estimated that these unfounded investigations cost taxpayers $13.76 million, or roughly $2,676 per case, due to staffing, travel, legal reviews, and documentation costs.
Ashley Cross, executive director of HOPE585, emphasized that the investigations often last at least 60 days and can harm already vulnerable families — pulling children out of school and causing fear and mistrust in seeking help.
To address these issues, Cross and other advocates are urging lawmakers and county officials to:
Expand family support services in Monroe County.
Reinvest CPS funds into community-based programs.
Publish annual, transparent CPS reports.
Advance the Supporting Families Together Act, which would ease penalties on mandated reporters and allow them to refer families to community organizations like HOPE585 instead of immediately filing CPS reports.
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