DEPARTMENT: Social Services-Children & Family Services
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
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Proclamation Of April 2025 As Child Abuse Prevention Month In Dakota County
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Proclaim April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Dakota County.
SUMMARY
Every year the month of April is recognized as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which highlights the resilience of families and the hard work of child welfare staff and community organizations by uplifting the vital work being done across the country to keep children safe and families together. This is done through strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies, and education, health, and community- and faith-based organizations.
This year the theme is “Doing Things Differently: Believing in Communities.” This theme reflects the idea that communities can come together to support family well-being rather than focus only on responding to incidents of child abuse and neglect. The well-being of children cannot be separated from the well-being of their families and communities.
OUTCOMES
Dakota County’s Social Services Department partners with individuals, families, and communities to increase safety and stability and promote health and well-being. The Children and Families Services section works to ensure all Dakota County children and youth are safe and well with their families. In 2024:
• The Parent Support Outreach Program worked with 222 families and 502 children, providing case management services, including connections to community-based services as well as resources and concrete economic supports to prevent entry into the formal Child Welfare system.
• Child Protection workers completed 1,296 family assessments and investigations involving 1,604 children and provided case management services to 210 families.
• 283 children experienced out-of-home care in child protection and child welfare.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
To promote family and community strengthening and continued partnerships across departments and service arrays toward the goal of preventing child abuse, staff recommends the Dakota County Board of Commissioners recognize April 2025 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in Dakota County.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
None.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the month of April 2025 is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, where the goal is to bring awareness to child abuse and neglect; and
WHEREAS, it is important to recognize and promote the vital work of child welfare staff, along with the communities that provide prevention efforts and support, allowing families to thrive as when families thrive, communities thrive; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 theme is “Doing Things Differently: Believing in Communities”; and
WHEREAS, child abuse prevention efforts succeed through meaningful and trusting partnerships created between families, child welfare professionals, and education, health, community- and faith-based organizations, as well as businesses and law enforcement agencies; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County promotes prevention programs and recognizes that children and families are an important part of our society, needing the support and protection of our community; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County’s enduring commitment to prevent child abuse and neglect demands that individuals and communities partner together to increase awareness of child abuse and support the social and emotional well-being of children and families in safe, stable, and nurturing environments.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaims April 2025 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in Dakota County and encourages residents to increase their participation in efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect, thereby strengthening the communities in which we live.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Presentation Slides
BOARD GOALS
☒ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACTS
Department Head: Nikki Conway
Author: Lawrence Dickens