Social Services

Family & Child Services - Child Protection & Welfare

Sherburne County Social Services is available 24 hours a day to receive reports of child maltreatment (abuse or neglect). Upon making a decision to assess the allegation of abuse, Social Services' activities include:

  • Coordination with law enforcement and the County Attorney's office or juvenile court
  • Observations of children
  • Interviews with children and parents or other caretakers of children
  • Collateral interviews
  • Risk assessment
  • Development of a Family Assessment Plan

Family Assessment Response is based on the belief that parents love their children and want them to be safe. Sometimes parents need help to make that happen. Family Assessment can provide that help. Family Assessment is a program that responds to concerns about child abuse and neglect by:

  • Ensuring children are safe
  • Avoiding negative labels for parents
  • Setting aside the issue of fault
  • Working in partnership with parents
  • Identifying families' needs
  • Providing services and resources matched to families' needs
  • Building on parents' and communities' strengths and resources

To report a situation of suspected child maltreatment:

  • Contact our department during regular business hours at (763) 241-2600 or 1-800-433-5239
  • Contact your local Law Enforcement Agency
  • After business hours, contact the Sherburne County Sheriff's Department at (763) 241-2500

Please DO NOT send an email regarding any suspected child maltreatment to Social Services as they may need to ask you some questions.