Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)

Adoption Services, Foster Care, and Child Protection

Services that keep children safe and that support children in their families and foster families to become independent adults.

Description

The child protection system responds to reports of maltreatment and abuse and helps to support families in safely caring for their children. Foster parents care for children in the child protection system who have been removed from their homes, and help children to return safely home, if possible, and keep family connections. Children who cannot be safely reunified with parents find a safe home-life through adoption or transfer of custody to a relative. DHS programs help these youth transition to independent adulthood.

Programs include:

• Parent Support Outreach Program
• Safe Harbor - for young people who are victims of sexual trafficking
• Safe Place for Newborns law
• Foster Family Supports
• Transition programs - help youth move successfully from foster care to independent adulthood
• Adoption
• Transfer of child custody to a relative

Application Instructions

To report concerns about child abuse, neglect or sexual abuse, contact the county or reservation where the child lives. If the child is in immediate risk of harm, contact your local law enforcement agency or dial 911. Application processes vary by program; contact your local county human services agency for more information.