Keeping children safe is one of our primary goals at Health and Welfare.

Services are designed to help protect children, while providing supports to strengthen families to prevent abuse and neglect. If a child is being abused or neglected, the Department works as part of a team with law enforcement and the courts to protect the health and safety of each child.

Whenever possible, children should remain with their family. If law enforcement or the Department receives a referral of abuse or neglect, we:

• Look into the concern;
• Notify the family of the referral;
• Assess the situation; and
• Offer services to reduce safety concerns.

If a child needs to be removed from their family for safety, we will work with each family to lower the safety concerns so the child can be returned home as soon as it is safe.

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call us. We are here to help.

---