This list of Minnesota resources—and the note below—is taken directly from CASA Minnesota in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to reflect on what it really means to build safe, supportive communities where every child can thrive.
In Hennepin County, nearly half of child protection cases involve neglect, often connected to family stressors like housing instability, mental health challenges, or lack of access to basic resources. Prevention doesn’t begin in a courtroom; it begins in our neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, and faith communities.
The truth is, many families don’t need to be separated—they need support. And that’s where all of us come in.
Prevention can look as simple as checking in on a neighbor, offering a break to an overwhelmed parent, or helping a caregiver find community resources. It looks like building communities where asking for help is met with compassion rather than judgment. These everyday actions can be the difference between a family staying safely together or entering the child protection system.
At CASA MN, we see both sides of this reality. We walk alongside children who have already experienced abuse or neglect—but we also believe deeply in a future where fewer children ever need that intervention. Supporting families early is one of the most powerful ways to protect children.
Below are tools and county-specific links you can use to help families connect with support when it matters most.
Minnesota County Resources for Families
Use these links to connect a struggling family to local services—such as financial assistance, mental health support, housing help, parenting resources, and more.
· Connect a struggling family to local resources in
Hennepin,
Ramsey,
Anoka,
Chisago,
Isanti,
Kanabec,
Pine,
Sherburne,
Washington, and
Wright Counties
· Find additional counties here
Learn the Signs—and When to Act
Knowing what to look for can save a child from ongoing harm.
· Recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect
· Report suspected abuse or neglect to county officials. You do not need proof—only reasonable concern. Trained professionals are responsible for assessing risk and taking next steps.
A Note from CASA Minnesota
Warmly,
Your friends at CASA MN
Learn more about CASA volunteer Guardians ad Litem
All adults share the responsibility to protect all children. By connecting families to resources, recognizing early warning signs, and speaking up when something is wrong, you become part of the safety net every child deserves.
KIDS AT RISK ACTION / KARA / INVISIBLE CHILDREN
#ChildAbusePreventionMonth
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