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 on-call services for victims of sexual assault or abuse who are ages 13 and older. Children ages 12 and younger are referred to a clinic specialized to meet their needs. Service includes: - Care of physical injuries - Sexually transmitted disease prevention and education - Pregnancy risk assessment - Evidence collection - Crisis intervention and supportive counseling

Medical Model Children's Advocacy Center (8 am - 4:30 pm) - Child-focused, facility-based program that conducts forensic interviews and forensic medical exams on pediatric and adolescent patients. Representatives from many disciplines (law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical and victim advocacy) work together, making team decisions about the investigation, treatment, management, and procescution of child abuse cases. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program - The SANE program is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week at Sanford Health, Bemidji Emergency Department and RiverView Health, Crookston Emergency Department. Care provided by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner can include, as appropriate: - Evidentiary examination - Referrals - Emergency contraception - Sexually Transmitted Infections prophylactic treatment

Specialized emergency shelter, supportive housing, and mental health services to youth who are commercially sexually exploited, trafficked, or at high risk of sexual exploitation. DHS-licensed housing programs for eligible youth include emergency shelter (The Loft) and group residential housing (Sol House) Mental health support services: - Trauma-informed therapy - Substance abuse recovery support - Peer support groups

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

Agency Contact Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Office 9 Willow Lane Grand Rapids, MN 55744 (218)326-5008 or (866)-747-5008 8 am - 5 pm Monday - Thursday; 8 am - 12 noon Friday Provides support and advocacy for survivors of sexual assault and preventive education for the community Private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to serve women, men and children who have experienced sexual assault Services include: - 24 hour crisis intervention/information line - Trained sexual assault advocates - Support groups for victims/survivors of sexual assault - Public education - Professional training - Legal advocacy (assist clients through criminal justice system, as well as assist in obtaining harassment and protection orders through the civil court system.) - Supervised internships 24 Hour Advocacy - Contact *866)747-5008 or (218)326-5008 for after hours crisis line

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 crisis counseling, advocacy services, and safety planning and education for children and young adults ages 4 - 18 who have been abused or witnessed violence. This program also travels to local schools, educating children on healthy communication skills, setting healthy boundaries, and improving self-esteem.

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

Support and advocacy services for persons who have been sexually abused or assaulted include community education, speaking to groups on related topics, crisis intervention, legal and medical advocacy, supportive counseling for survivors and their loved ones, and support groups.

Services include: - Individual and group information and support - Referrals - Accompaniment to area resources including: - Medical - Legal - Law enforcement - Other available community services - Community Education - Networking with community groups and professionals - Culturally appropriate services for Native American survivors of sexual violence Agency Contact Bemidji Bemidji Office 1510 Bemidji Avenue Bemidji, MN 56601 (218)444-9524 or (800)708-2727 8 am - 5 pm Monday - Thursday; 8 am - 12 noon Friday Bemidji State University Lower Hobson Memorial Union (HMU) - North Conference Room Bemidji, MN 56601 8 am - 1 pm Monday, Wednesday Northwest Technical College Room 311 Bemidji, MN 56601 8 am - 12 noon Friday Aitkin Aitkin Office 312 Minnesota Avenue N, Suite 2009 Aitkin, MN 55431 (218)927-6226 or (866)-747-5008 8 am - 5 pm Monday - Thursday; 8 am - 12 noon Friday Park Rapids Park Rapids Office 323 Main Avenue S Park Rapids, MN 56470 (218)237-0300 or (800)-708-2727 8 am - 5 pm Monday - Thursday; 8 am - 12 noon Friday Bagley Bagley Office 79 Spencer Avenue Bagley, MN 56621 (218)694-2210 or (800)708-2727 8 am - 5 pm Monday - Thursday; 8 am - 12 noon Friday Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Office 9 Willow Lane Grand Rapids, MN 55744 (218)326-5008 or (866)-747-5008 8 am - 5 pm Monday - Thursday; 8 am - 12 noon Friday Walker Walker Office 609 Minnesota Avenue W Walker, MN 56484 (218)547-4892 or (800)708-2727 8 am - 5 pm Monday - Thursday; 8 am - 12 noon Friday ?