DEPARTMENT: Social Services-Children & Family Services
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Proclamation Of April 2026 As Child Abuse Prevention Month In Dakota County
end
PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Proclaim April 2026 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.
One of this year’s themes is “Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention.” This theme recognizes when families have the right support, they build a brighter future for their children. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, we can work together to prevent child abuse before it ever happens.
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 2025:
• The Parent Support Outreach Program (PSOP) served 376 children and provided case management services to 186 families. This represents an increase of 25% from the 140 families served in 2024. Case management includes connecting families to community-based services and resources and linking families to concrete economic supports to prevent entry into the formal Child Welfare system. 86% of families who participated in PSOP in 2024 did not have a subsequent Child Protection report in the 12 months following the closure of their case in 2025.
• Child Protection workers completed 1,257 family assessments and investigations involving 1,486 children, a 3% overall decrease from 2024. Workers provided case management services to 182 families, a reduction of 14% from 2024.
• 258 children experienced out-of-home care in child protection and child welfare compared to 285 children in 2024, representing a 9% reduction in out of home placements. 66% of the days children spent in foster care settings were spent with relatives.
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 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in Dakota County.
end
EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
None.
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, the month of April 2026 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 2026 theme is “Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention”; 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 2026 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.
end
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
Dakota County recognized Child Abuse Prevention month in 2025.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: None.
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