Helpful Resources for More Detailed Information about Child Protection:

• Minnesota Courts Video: In the Best Interests of Your Child
• Legal Self-Help Website
• Easy to Understand Explanation of Child Protection | Related PDF
• Families' Guide to Child Protection, Minnesota Department of Human Services Publication
• Minnesota County Child Maltreatment Reporting (in multiple languages)
• Minnesota Child Maltreatment Screening Guidelines
• Easy to Understand Explanation of What is Domestic Violence
• Family Matters: Information for Relatives Considering Becoming Foster Parents

Child Protection: Family Group Decision Making

Family Group Decision Making recognizes the importance of involving family members in making decisions about children who need protection or care. It can be initiated by child welfare agencies whenever a critical decision about a child is required. A trained coordinator who is independent of the case brings the family together to explore who could care for the children if a parent is unable to. Child Protection Workers and the Court agree to support family group plans that adequately address safety concerns. If your family is involved with Child Protection, contact your County child welfare agency to see if Family Group Decision Making is available.