Differential response (DR), also referred to as alternative response (AR), family assessment response (FAR), or multiple track response, was developed to incorporate family-centered, strengths-based practices into child protective services (CPS), primarily by diverting lower risk families into an assessment track rather than requiring the…

This study identified selected child factors (e.g., age, gender, race/ethnicity, disabilities, prior victimization, and relationship to perpetrator of abuse), family risk factors (e.g., substance abuse, domestic violence, inadequate housing, and financial problems), and services provided by child protective services that likely increased reports…

A guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate (CASA) is appointed by a judge to speak for the child's best interests in court hearings related to allegations of child abuse or neglect. This paper examines the need for more American Indians to become involved as volunteer guardians ad litem. The first part provides historical information…

The resource manual developed by the Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER) in Minneapolis is intended to provide trainers of parents of handicapped children with information and resources concerning the prevention and treatment of child abuse. The PACER program has developed a program using child-sized puppets to teach…

Minnesota has been recognized by several studies as a state with a significant amount of racial disparity in its child protection system. This study, using 2001 data from Minnesota's Social Services Information Service, was conducted to determine at which of the six decision points in Minnesota's child welfare system racial disparities are…

Recounts circumstances of Minnesota parents whose extreme neglect and abuse of their young children caused the state to terminate parental rights. Highlights profiles of parents and children using administrative data, and reviews mothers', fathers' and children's characteristics; permanency plans; and agency services provided. Offers guidelines to…

This article presents the case of a seven-year-old autistic child who, with the use of facilitated communication, appeared to report being sexually abused. Assessment activities of the Hennepin County (Minnesota) Child Protection Agency are recounted. The article concludes that such charges made with facilitated communication should not be…

This study examined the circumstances of children in Hennepin County, Minnesota, who were removed from their homes under urgent circumstances and placed for 7 days or less in emergency shelter care. It investigated whether shelter placement was the least intrusive response for the safety of the children in emergency situations and clarified the…

Minnesota KIDS COUNT focuses on key risk indicators for children and describes the condition of children in each of Minnesota's 87 counties. According to this second annual report, another generation of children is at risk of growing up with decreasing resources, evidenced by increasing arrest rates for violent crimes and substantiated reports of…

This 1997 Minnesota Kids Count report examines child poverty and changing demographics in the state of Minnesota, and focuses on nine risk indicators for the years 1991 through 1995 in Minnesota's 87 counties. Following a discussion of myths and truths about poverty in Minnesota and a look at demographic changes in the state from 1990 to 1995,…

This Kids Count data book examines statewide trends in the well-being of Minnesota children during the 1990s. The statistical portrait is based on 11 indicators of well-being: (1) child poverty rate; (2) percent of children receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children; (3) percent receiving free or reduced-price school lunches; (4) teen birth…

Minnesota Planning developed the Children's Report Card in 1994 to help the state and its 87 counties gauge the well-being of Minnesota's children and youth. The report was created as an extension of Minnesota Milestones, a long-range plan for the state and a tool to measure results which was developed by Minnesota Planning in 1992. For the first…

This KIDS COUNT data book examines trends in the well-being of Minnesota's children. The statistical portrait is based on 12 indicators of child well-being: (1) children in poverty; (2) children in families receiving food stamps; (3) children receiving free or reduced-price school lunch; (4) children born to teenage mothers; (5) children born at…

This KIDS COUNT data book examines trends in the well-being of Minnesotas children. The statistical portrait is based on 11 indicators of child well-being: (1) children living in poverty; (2) children in families receiving food stamps; (3) children receiving free or reduced-price school lunch; (4) children born to teenage mothers; (5) children…

This KIDS COUNT data book examines trends in the well-being of Minnesota's children. The statistical portrait is based on 11 indicators of child well-being: (1) children living in poverty; (2) children in families receiving food stamps; (3) children receiving free or reduced-price school lunch; (4) children born to teenage mothers; (5) children…