Responsibilities of the County Attorney's Office include: - Child custody decrees - Child protection cases - Child support and paternity matters - County civil matters - Delinquency cases; juvenile court - Guardianships - Juvenile diversion - Legal representation of county boards and county agencies - Prosecutes criminal cases and traffic violations - Restraining and harassment orders; orders for protection

Services are victim-centered, which means individuals will guide their own process, make their own decisions, and have staff provide information, support, and referrals. Services include: - Advocacy: Assistance in obtaining Emergency Protective Orders, Permanent Restraining Orders, Stalking/Harassment Orders, Temporary Restraining Orders, housing, community services, and medical appointments - Confidentiality - Community education and professional training - Crisis line - Emergency Services: Transportation to medical facilities, law enforcement, safe housing, etc. - Individual and group support - Prevention and/or Rapid Rehousing: Services provided by the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program - FHPAP - Safety planning

Provide support to those who have been affected by domestic violence or sexual assault. Services may include: - 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: Provides a hotline for advocacy, resources, and shelter for all victims of violence. The hotline provides information and safety planning to support victims. - Advocacy: Legal advocates can help victims navigate and explain the legal system in criminal and civil protective order cases. Helps victims work with local police, city, and county attorneys to advocate on the victim's behalf. Assist in filing Orders for Protection and Harassment Restraining Orders. Attend court hearings with victims to provide information and support and more. - Emergency Shelter: A 24-hour domestic violence and sexual violence emergency shelter within Carlton, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, and Pine counties. The Black Dog Hill Shelter provides secure emergency shelter and access to basic needs to survivors and children. Basic needs include meals, toiletries, clothing, linens, diapers, laundry facilities, and access to a food shelf. - Intervention: Offers a Batterers Intervention Program to those interested and/or court-ordered to participate in a psycho-educational group led by trained professional facilitators. Participants learn to identify abusive behaviors and are taught to react to situations non-abusively and communicate with their partner. - Support Groups: Provides support groups to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through empowerment, conversations, and activities. Meetings are held in-person and virtual and times will vary by county office.

Provides support through education, empowerment, protection, and advocacy services. Services include: - 24-hour crisis support line - Advocates that includes a Spanish speaking advocate - Educational presentations - Legal options and advocacy - Limited emergency safe housing - Restraining Order assistance - Safety planning - Support Group: Offers a Spanish speaking support group - Systems coordination and referrals to resources - Transportation - Volunteer opportunities for those interested in providing transportation, community outreach, staffing information booths, fundraising, quarterly newsletter, and serving on the Board of Directors

The County Attorney cannot provide legal advice to citizens, but can refer them to a department, agency, or private law firm that can help them. - Child custody decrees - Child protection representation - Child support assistance/enforcement - Conservatorship assistance - County counsel - Court filing assistance - Crime victim compensation - Crime victim notification services - Crime witness support - Criminal law - District Attorney - Domestic/family violence legal services - Estate entitlement assistance - General crime victim assistance - Guardianship assistance - Juvenile delinquency prosecution and diversion - Paternity suits - Paternity/maternity establishment - Permanent restraining orders - Stalking/harassment orders - Temporary/permanent restraining orders - Third-party involuntary commitment petition services

- Child protection/CHIPS cases - Child support and paternity - Commitments - Conservatorships - Crime victim compensation - Crime victim notification services - Crime witness/victim support - Criminal and delinquency prosecution - Domestic/family violence legal services - Guardianships - Juvenile diversion - Legal representation of county boards and county agencies - Paternity suits - Temporary/Permanent harassment restraining orders - Vulnerable adult protection

Provides free and confidential services to those affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking/exploitation, and high-risk youth in Lincoln, Lyon, Redwood, and Yellow Medicine counties. Confidential services: - Accompaniment to court - Assistance with petitioning for an Order for Protection or Harassment Restraining Order - Community education - Crisis line - Emergency transportation, and/or assistance - Information, referrals, and resources - Temporary emergency safe housing - Systems coordination - Support group - Youth Programs: Provides youth the ability to teach and learn from their peers about confidence, communication, safety, and life skills. Emergency assistance includes, but is not limited to, the following expenses: - Crime Scene cleanup - Grant funds are used to meet crime victims' emergency needs when available - Purchase and installation of necessary home security devices - Reimbursement of towing and storage fees incurred due to impoundment of a recovered stolen vehicle - Replacement of necessary property that was lost, damaged or stolen as a result of a crime - Transportation to locations related to the victim's needs as a victim, such as medical and criminal justice facilities - Victim reimbursement for reasonable travel and living expenses incurred due to a change in venue Victims of crime have also received funding through the program for items such as repairing a broken door, installing new locks, and replacing clothing or bedding taken as evidence. Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program - FHPAP may be available through pre-screening.

Responsibilities of the County Attorney's Office include: - Child custody decrees - Child protection cases - Child support and paternity matters - CHIPS cases - Commitments - Conservatorships - County civil matters - Crime victim assistance and compensation - Crime victim notification service - Crime witness support - Delinquency cases; juvenile court - Domestic violence legal services - Guardianships - Juvenile diversion - Legal representation of county boards and county agencies - Prosecutes criminal cases - Restraining and harassment orders; orders for protection

Victim assistance efforts include advocacy and support throughout the criminal proceedings. Minnesota law grants numerous rights to victims of crime, including: - To be notified of a decision not to prosecute a domestic assault or harassment case - To be notified of the final disposition of the case - To be notified of plea negotiations, changes in scheduling of court appearances, including date, time and place of sentencing - To be present at sentencing and to object orally or in writing to a proposed plea agreement or sentence - To request that law enforcement keep your identity confidential from the public. The agency may comply if you are a victim of sexual assault or your personal safety or property is threatened

Provides assistance with: - Understanding the legal process and court procedures in a criminal matter - Understanding and exercising victims' rights - Seeking restitution for economic loss or harm resulting from crime - Information about proposed settlement offers and pre-trial diversion programs - Referrals to other agencies providing victim services - Explaining Order for Protection and Harassment Restraining Order application process - Assistance to witnesses testifying in court hearings and trials

Advocates provide support, information and referrals including: - Assisting in financial assistance to help with expenses resulting from crime (reparations, restitution) - Court advocacy - Crisis line - Explaining the steps of the criminal justice process - Filing restraining orders (Order for Protection, Harassment Restraining Order) - Providing referrals to community resources to help meet needs including counseling (and financial assistance for certain crime victims), etc. - Providing support and advocacy during sexual assault medical exams - Support through an interview with law enforcement - Support through the healing process - Understanding rights as a victim

Responsibilities of the County Attorney's Office include: - Child custody decrees - Child protection cases - Child support and paternity matters - County civil matters - Delinquency cases; juvenile court - Guardianships - Juvenile diversion - Legal advocacy for victims in the criminal justice system - Legal representation of county boards and county agencies - Prosecutes criminal cases and traffic violations - Restraining and harassment orders; orders for protection - Victim advocacy after crime has occurred

Court services including scheduling and administering civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and conciliation (small claims) court matters, jury selection, and court filing. - Order for Protection filing office - Stalking/harassment orders - Local jury call-in line

Advocates provide support, information and referrals including: - Assisting in financial assistance to help with expenses resulting from crime (reparations, restitution) - Court advocacy - Crisis line - Explaining the steps of the criminal justice process - Filing restraining orders (Order for Protection, Harassment Restraining Order) - Providing referrals to community resources to help meet needs including counseling (and financial assistance for certain crime victims), etc. - Providing support and advocacy during sexual assault medical exams - Support through an interview with law enforcement - Support through the healing process - Understanding rights as a victim

Legal representation and/or advice with critical legal needs in family law: - Criminal Temporary Protective Orders, Emergency Protective Orders, Permanent Restraining Orders, Stalking/Harassment Orders, and Temporary Restraining Orders - Custody between parents - Divorce - Grandparent custody - Some other critical legal needs with other civil legal problems

Provides the following services: - Assistance in gathering and documenting evidence in criminal and civil cases - Assistance with housing, education, employment, and connecting to public benefits and community resources - Assistance with Orders for Protection/Harassment Orders - Communication network linking survivors with probation officers, prosecuting attorneys, and law enforcement - Criminal justice advocacy for victims - GED assistance for domestic abuse victims - If experiencing legal problems related to domestic violence, please call for screening and appointments - Information and referral - Support for victims including accompaniment to medical and legal procedures - Visits to victims after perpetrator has been arrested - Youth support groups and mentoring for children who have been exposed to domestic violence Safety Planning Services for individuals in various scenarios: - In a relationship - Parenting time exchanges - Post-arrest and release from jail - Post-separation or throughout continued contact with an abuser - Throughout the restraining order process

Responsibilities of the County Attorney's Office include: - Adult prosecution - Child custody decrees - Child protection cases - Child support and paternity matters - Civil advice - Family services - Juvenile prosecution - Pursuing improvement and prevention: Plays an important role in seeking new laws to strengthen law enforcement, criminal justice, child protection, victim's rights, and other areas. Also participates in efforts to prevent or reduce crime in the local communities and statewide. - Victim/Witness Assistance

Southern Valley Alliance partners with law enforcement, attorneys, and other agencies to advocate for and empower survivors to navigate the civil and/or criminal justice system. Services include: - Accompaniment civil court hearings and assistance throughout the court process - Court Advocacy Program: Assist survivors of domestic violence with obtaining immediate and long-term legal protections, as well as companionship during the petition and court hearing processes. Advocates provide survivors with a network of support and help survivors navigate the civil and criminal court processes surrounding domestic violence. - Emergency 911 cell phones - Explanations regarding the court process and judgments - Help with filing for protection orders such as an Order for Protection or Harassment Restraining Order - Referrals to attorneys, victim assistance providers, and crisis intervention programs - Safety planning

Free, confidential services for crime victims and witnesses: - Assistance obtaining Orders for Protection/Restraining Orders, if the victim/witness requests - Compensation - Assistance in obtaining witness fees and information as to eligibility and reimbursement for financial losses incurred by the victim - Financial Assistance: Victims may be eligible for financial assistance from the state if they have suffered economic loss as a result of violent crimes - Help with issues with creditors - Information about the status of the court case via letter and phone calls - Information/Explanation about the criminal justice proceedings - Notice of court proceedings, including changes, hearing dates and any schedule change, including information as to case status - Notification of victims rights per Chapter 611A of the Minnesota Statutes - Orientation to the courtroom setting. Witnesses may view a courtroom prior to a trial. Companion for court appearances in significant cases, and also for emotional support - Private waiting area prior to court appearance - Property recovery of stolen items that are being held as evidence - Referrals to social services, counselors, and others who can assist with personal problems - Support with problems that may be happening as a result of the crime itself or of court appearances - Transportation assistance for pre-trial or court hearings, if necessary

Provides the following services to individuals of all ages and genders who are currently experiencing or have experienced domestic violence (including physical, emotional, mental, or financial abuse from an intimate partner or household member), stalking, or harassment in northwest and western Hennepin County: - Community advocacy and referrals; including immigrant and refugee victims of domestic violence - Coordination and support through the criminal, civil & family legal systems - Immediate and long-term safety planning; assist with Safe at Home application - Legal advocacy including information on the Hennepin County court system and assistance obtaining Orders for Protection or Harassment Restraining Orders in Hennepin County

Services include: - Assistance with finding safe (shelter) housing - Assistance with lock changes, food, shelter and phone reconnection/repair, window and door repair due to assault - Attendance at court appearances resulting from domestic assault in Hennepin County - Orders for Protection and harassment restraining orders - Personal safety planning - Transportation to court, safety, and medical care

Handles family law matters, including: - Adoption - Child support - Custody and visitation/parenting time - Designation of standby custodian - Domestic abuse/Order for Protection - Divorce - Grandparents visitation - Harassment restraining orders - Name change - Paternity

Services are victim-centered, which means individuals will guide their own process, make their own decisions, and have staff provide information, support, and referrals. Services include: - Advocacy: Assistance in obtaining Emergency Protective Orders, Permanent Restraining Orders, Stalking/Harassment Orders, Temporary Restraining Orders, housing, community services, and medical appointments - Confidentiality - Community education and professional training - Crisis line - Emergency Services: Transportation to medical facilities, law enforcement, safe housing, etc. - Individual and group support - Prevention and/or Rapid Rehousing: Services provided by the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program - FHPAP - Safety planning

Works with victims of general crimes, including physical assault, harassment, stalking, identity theft, attempted murder, and men who are victims of intimate partner violence, in addition to other crime victimizations. Provides support through services: - Assists in applying for compensation assistance from the Crime Reparations Board - Assists in filing Orders for Protection and Harassment Restraining Orders - Assists in preparing a victim impact statement - Assists with restitution paperwork - Being a liaison between the victim, the police department, and the county attorney - Provides crisis intervention for victims - Provides help through the crisis line - Provides referrals to community and area agencies. Grant funds (when available) are used to meet the emergency needs of crime victims - Provides victim rights information - Support and guidance through medical, law enforcement, and legal processes Emergency assistance includes, but is not limited to, the following expenses: - Cleanup of a crime scene - Purchase and installation of necessary home security devices - Reimbursement for reasonable travel and living expenses that the victim incurred to attend court proceedings that were held at a location other than the place where the crime occurred, due to the change in venue - Reimbursement of towing and storage fees incurred due to impoundment of a recovered stolen vehicle - Replacement of necessary property that was lost, damaged, or stolen as a result of a crime - Transportation to locations related to the victim's needs as a victim such as medical facilities and facilities of the criminal justice system. - When available, funding through the program can be used for items such as repairing a broken door, installing new locks, and replacing clothing or bedding taken as evidence.

Works with victims of general crimes, including physical assault, harassment, stalking, identity theft, attempted murder, and men who are victims of intimate partner violence, in addition to other crime victimizations. Provides support through services: - Assists in applying for compensation assistance from the Crime Reparations Board - Assists in filing Orders for Protection and Harassment Restraining Orders - Assists in preparing a victim impact statement - Assists with restitution paperwork - Being a liaison between the victim, the police department, and the county attorney - Provides crisis intervention for victims - Provides help through the crisis line - Provides referrals to community and area agencies. Grant funds (when available) are used to meet the emergency needs of crime victims - Provides victim rights information - Support and guidance through medical, law enforcement, and legal processes Emergency assistance includes, but is not limited to, the following expenses: - Cleanup of a crime scene - Purchase and installation of necessary home security devices - Reimbursement for reasonable travel and living expenses that the victim incurred to attend court proceedings that were held at a location other than the place where the crime occurred, due to the change in venue - Reimbursement of towing and storage fees incurred due to impoundment of a recovered stolen vehicle - Replacement of necessary property that was lost, damaged, or stolen as a result of a crime - Transportation to locations related to the victim's needs as a victim such as medical facilities and facilities of the criminal justice system. - When available, funding through the program can be used for items such as repairing a broken door, installing new locks, and replacing clothing or bedding taken as evidence.