Child Protection
The Mille Lacs County Attorney’s Office serves as legal advisor and counsel to Mille Lacs County Community and Veterans Services (MLCCVS). The County Attorney’s Office may initiate juvenile protection proceedings to protect abused or neglected children within Mille Lacs County.
A juvenile protection proceeding begins with a child maltreatment report to law enforcement or MLCCVS. These agencies are required to cross-report to the other. All citizens are encouraged to report incidents of child maltreatment to either their local law enforcement agency or MLCCVS. MLCCVS can be reached at 320-983-8208.
Mandated Reporters
Anyone may report suspected child maltreatment. Infants or children who are being hurt by their parents or caretakers rely on the intervention of others to protect them.
Some citizens are mandated reporters under Minnesota law. These people include:
- Child care providers
- Clergy
- Educators
- Law enforcement
- Medical professionals
- Probation agents
- Social workers
- Therapists
Reporting Child Abuse in Mille Lacs County
Law enforcement departments and Mille Lacs County Child Protection are the agencies charged with receiving reports of child abuse occurring in Mille Lacs County:
- You may report suspicions of child abuse by calling Mille Lacs County Child Protection at 320-983-8208 or 888-270-8208 during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
- During regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), contact the Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office at 320-983-8250 or 888-860-8250; after regular business hours, call 911.
If you believe a child is in imminent danger, has injuries that need medical attention, or is not safe remaining at home, call 911.