Health & Human Services
M-F | 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
204 1st St NW, Aitkin, MN
218-927-7200 | 800-328-3744
218-927-7210
Sarah Pratt / HHS Director

Child Protection Services

Reporting Suspected Child Abuse

When making a report, you will be asked to supply as many details as you can to better help us determine if the report meets the statutory definition of abuse, neglect or maltreatment.

Mandated Reporters – must report suspected child maltreatment over the phone within 24 hours and a written report must be submitted within 72 hours.

Services include:

Intake and Referral Services

Reports are received through the Intake Social Worker. The Intake Social Worker can also answer any questions that may arise in regards to agency practices and services, discuss community resources, identify if the information is reportable, and any other strategies for a family to utilize.

All reports received through the intake process are screened with the Child Protection Screening Team within 24 hours of the report being received to determine whether the report meets Minnesota State Maltreatment Guidelines. Aitkin County Health & Human Services works alongside local Law Enforcement as well as community professionals to determine how to proceed.

Child Protection Assessments/Investigations

Child Protection Assessments are conducted in response to reports of child maltreatment not involving substantial child endangerment, sexual abuse, or situations of serious danger. The focus of a Child Protection Assessment is to engage a family’s protective factors and offer services that address immediate and ongoing safety concerns.

Child Protection investigations are a response to the most serious reports of maltreatment to children; including: substantial child endangerment, sexual abuse, and sex trafficking. The focus of a Child Protection Investigation is to gather facts, assess/evaluate risk for subsequent child maltreatment, and assess the family’s protective factors related to child safety. At the conclusion of the Child Protection Investigation a determination based on the preponderance of the evidence is made as to whether child maltreatment occurred or not.

Child Protection & Child Welfare Case Management

Child Protection Case Management services are provided to families who have a need for protective services. The Social Worker will work alongside a family to develop a case plan with set goals to ensure safety and well-being. Services offered may include mental health services, chemical dependency services, parenting education, out of home placement, housing resources, employment resources, respite services, etc.

Child Welfare Case Management services are provided to families who are open to working with a social worker to address their needs on a longer-term basis that cannot be achieved through the assessment.