- Home
- Departments
- Human Services
- Social Services
- Children's Services
Children's Services
Licensing: Family Child Care, Child Foster Care, Adult Foster Care: The licensor recruits and determines suitability of applicants for licensure for the program they are interested in. This includes completing an orientation process with the applicant, guiding them through the required steps of licensing and monitoring compliance to the licensing rule once the are licensed. The licensor is also responsible for investigating reports of rule violations within licensed homes, investigating reports of unlicensed homes and assists with coordination of foster care placements.
Guide to Becoming a Licensed Family Child Care Provider (DHS-8013)
Family and Group Family Child Care (DHS-5407)
Family Child Care Rule and Statue Summary (DHS-7747)
Child Care Variance Policy (PDF)
Find additional information on the Minnesota Department of Human Resources Licensed Family Child Care website by clicking here.
Child Protection Investigations/Assessments: The child protection system responds to situations where children are alleged to be maltreated and it helps support families to safely care for their children. Suspected child abuse or neglect should be reported by calling 507-375-3294 or 1-888-299-5941 during regular business hours. If it is an emergency or outside of regular business hours, call law enforcement at 911.
Child Protection Case Management: Ongoing case management is offered to families as needed. Case management involves working closely with the family to identify needs, assist with outside referrals, and build safety around the family.
Children's Mental Health Case Management: This program provides information, referrals, client outreach and case management for eligible children with mental health needs.
Family Facilitator: Early intervention and preventative services for children and their families. Services are in partnership with the local school districts.
Truancy Services: School attendance is mandatory in the state of Minnesota. State law defines a student as a habitual truant when they are absent from school without an excuse on seven or more days for elementary students, and seven or more class periods for middle and high school students. Once a student qualifies as habitually truant, Watonwan County Human Services, the County Attorney, and local school districts, work together to provide services to students and parents to resolve attendance problems.
Children Under 12 - Educational Neglect Reporting Procedures (PDF)
Truancy Protocol for Students Aged 12 and Over (PDF)
Truancy Referral Form (PDF) (for Students age 12 and over)