Child Protection

The Child Protection unit works with families who have been identified as “services needed” based on a child protection assessment completed by the Scott County Health and Human Services Central Intake unit. Child Protection workers coordinate strength based services to families with other providers and community resources. Families open to Child Protection frequently have multiple problems and numerous professionals are involved. Juvenile court involvement is also common. Case plans, based upon the family’s strengths and needs, are developed with the families within 30 days of a case opening and are reviewed at least quarterly. The level of risk for further abuse or neglect determines continued involvement with the family.

Out-of-home placements have remained low in Scott County. Children are placed out of the home when their safety is at imminent risk. Relative placements are sought and used whenever possible. Recent changes in State and Federal law have impacted practice in Child Protective Services. The time frames for children in placement have been shortened so a permanency recommendation must be made to the court within six months for children under eight, and within one year for children eight and above. To meet these time frames, Scott County is providing Concurrent Permanency planning for all children in out-of-home placement through the child protection system. Permanency planning for a placed child is actively pursued at the same time reunification efforts with the family are pursued. Placement options for children who cannot return home include transfer of legal custody to a relative, termination of parental rights, and adoption or long-term foster care for children 12 and older.

Contact:
Health and Human Services Central Intake 952-445-7751
Reports of child abuse or neglect can be made Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After hours reports can be made to your local law enforcement.