Child Protection

Reporting Child Maltreatment

If you feel a child is threatened with immediate and present maltreatment that is life threatening or likely to result in abandonment, sexual abuse or serious physical injury, please call 911. 

For all other child maltreatment concerns, complete the Suspected Child Abuse Report (PDF) and submit it by email or drop off to our office or call us at 507-437-9701. If you call during non business hours, leave a message and we will return your call on our next business day.

Child Protective Services

Mower County has the responsibility and authority to assure that children alleged to be abused or neglected are protected from harm or danger and that children in need of protection or services receive the appropriate services.

This is a major responsibility and is taken very seriously by this department. Mower County Health and Human Services believes that the child's best interest and protection is maximized by maintaining the child at home whenever possible.

Criteria for Assessing Abuse & Neglect

The criteria used to determine when to conduct a Child Protection Assessment is set forth in Minnesota Statute 626556, Subd.10.

The child protection intake screeners accept reports of alleged child maltreatment based on legal definitions and guidelines for assessment and investigation. A determination is made if a report should be assigned for further assessment or investigation.

After a report has been accepted, child protection screeners in the Intake/Assessment Unit utilize safety and risk assessment tools to determine if a specific response will be completed, including:

• Family Assessment Response
• Family Investigation Response

To report Child Maltreatment, complete the form below and drop off or email to childprotection@co.mower.mn.us.