Child & Family Services (Child protection)

Child protection

Child protection provides assessment and ongoing case management services to promote the safety and well-being of children. Reports of neglect, physical and sexual abuse of children are assessed with law enforcement. Social service staff and community service providers offer protective services including individual and family counseling, referrals, parent education and case management. Out-of-home placement, including foster care is used with a focus of family reunification. Services are also provided to children under the guardianship of the state.

Suspected child abuse/neglect

To report suspected child abuse, contact Rice County Child Protection at [email protected] or 507-332-6090 (fax).

Rice County Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect Form

Minnesota Department of Human Services Child Protection information

Welfare services

County Child Welfare services are available to parents and children in Rice County to improve relationships between family members and to ensure the safety and well-being of children within families. Services are provided to minor parents, families of children who are truant from school and running away from home, families experiencing severe parent/child conflict and families in need of assistance as a result of their own or other child's special needs.

Child foster care

Social Services provides a temporary and safe nurturing environment for children up to 18 in need of foster care. A social worker provides orientation, training, licensing and re-licensing of foster care homes.