The Child Protection unit investigates allegations of child abuse including physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and educational neglect. The unit coordinates with the law enforcement center as well as community professionals and para-professionals to determine if the child was abused or neglected by an action, or failure to act on the part of a caregiver or other person. The results of the assessment will determine whether child protective services are needed. NOTE: If you feel your concern is an emergency that needs an immediate response, call 911

- Provides 24 hour crisis services on toll free number - Information and Referral - Advocacy

Child-friendly forensic center investigates child abuse and coordinates needed services, including: - Advocacy: Provides initial and ongoing advocacy to families as they move through the process of a child abuse allegation; builds connections with families to better understand their circumstances and self-identified needs; helps families to interpret the information they receive, ensure their rights and their ability to make informed decisions and gain skills in advocating for themselves and their children; provides emotional support - Forensic interviewing: Provides a neutral, information-gathering child-centered interview - Multidisciplinary team facilitation: Includes professionals from law enforcement, social services, prosecution, public defense, medical and mental health, victim support services, the child advocacy center (forensic interviews and advocacy), Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), and cultural representatives collaborate from the initial report through lasting supportive services for the youth and families - Medical exams: Collaborates with St. Luke's Hospital and Essentia Health to provide forensic medical evaluations in reported cases of child abuse; provides an overall assessment of a child and/or adolescent's health and safety, recommends appropriate follow-up and treatment, documents additional statements and/or physical evidence in circumstances of sexual or physical abuse, and provides reassurance to a child and/or adolescent and their caregiver about their body and health - Mental health: Connects children and families with trauma-informed care and avoid barriers to accessing mental health services; arrangementswith the Human Development Center and Paradigm Therapy Services to providespecialized trauma-focused mental health services unique to the needs ofchildren and their non-offending caregivers - Prevention: Provides prevention education to families ofchildren being served; outreaches to schools, families, and the community; presentations and trainings to organizations and groups across the northland

Provides shelters for boys experiencing: - Behavioral difficulties - Family conflict or crisis - Need for temporary respite - Physical or sexual abuse - Severe emotional problems - Transition between placements Basic services provided: - Discharge planning - Education/study time - Skill building classes - Stabilization - Structured living environment Optional services for purchase: - Full 14 - 30 day residents assessments - Outpatient assessments - Outpatient individual, family, or group therapy

Provides investigative and intervention services for child abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment. Services include: - Accepts reports of abuse - Assessment of the initial referral - Consultation to individuals who suspect abuse - Consultation with the family to determine the nature of the problem - Dependency investigation - Explanation of reporting statutes and answer questions regarding agency practices - Ongoing support services for children and their families - Temporary placement of children who are removed from the home - Works with the family toward unification or reunification

Provides services to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, dating violence, elder abuse, trafficking, and general crime who are native and non-native women, men, and youth who live on or near the White Earth Reservation. Services provided include: - 24 hours/7 days a week crisis line support for victims - Assistance with orders for protection, harassment restraining orders, safety planning, victim impact statements, and applying for Minnesota reparations claims for survivors - Child advocacy center - Community outreach - Court, trial, and sentencing accompaniment and support - Direct services such as crisis intervention, advocacy, transportation, empowerment sessions, and information and referral of resources - Information on elder abuse, community outreach, and education - Safe harbor for youth who engage in prostitution - Shelter access and safe housing