DEPARTMENT: Social Services-Children & Family Services
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
title
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 ...
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