Child Protective Services

 

Keeping Children Safe, Supporting Families

At Pepin County Human Services, our Child Protective Services (CPS) team is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of children—born and unborn—while working to strengthen and preserve families. Guided by Wisconsin State Statute Chapter 48, we respond to concerns about child abuse or neglect with compassion and respect, partnering with families to create safe, nurturing environments. Our mission is to protect children from harm while helping families thrive through support, resources, and collaborative solutions.

What is Child Protective Services?

CPS investigates reports of alleged child abuse or neglect to ensure children are safe in their homes and communities. We take every report seriously, assessing whether safety concerns meet the definitions outlined in Wisconsin law. Our approach is family-centered, focusing on alleviating risks through education, support services, and safety planning. Whenever possible, we strive to keep children with their families, providing tools and resources to address challenges and prevent future concerns.

If safety risks are severe and cannot be managed in the home, temporary removal may be necessary to protect the child while we work with the family to implement safety services. Our primary goal is always to maintain children in their homes or reunite them with their families as soon as it is safe to do so.

Our Services

CPS offers a range of services to support families and protect children, including:

• Safety Assessments: Thorough evaluations to identify risks and strengths within the family.
• Family Support Plans: Customized strategies to address safety concerns, such as parenting education or counseling.
• Community Referrals: Connections to local resources, like mental health services or housing assistance.
• Prevention Programs: Education and support to strengthen families and prevent future CPS involvement.
• Reunification Support: Guidance and services to help children safely return home after temporary placement.

We work closely with schools, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community organizations to ensure families receive comprehensive support tailored to their needs.

Reporting Child Abuse or Neglect

Anyone who suspects a child is experiencing abuse or neglect can make a confidential report to CPS. This includes parents, neighbors, teachers, doctors, or community members—your concern could make a difference in a child’s life. Reports can be made during regular office hours, and after-hours concerns should be directed to the Pepin County Sheriff’s Office.

How the Process Works:

• Receiving Reports: Call Pepin County Human Services at 715-672-8941 during regular hours (Mon-Thu, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Fri, 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM) or the Sheriff’s Office at 715-672-5944 after hours.
• Screening: Reports are evaluated based on Wisconsin State Statute Chapter 48 to determine if they meet the criteria for investigation (“screened in”) or not (“screened out”).
• Investigation: If screened in, our CPS team conducts interviews with the child, family members, and relevant individuals (e.g., teachers or doctors) to assess safety concerns.
• Safety Planning: If risks are identified, we collaborate with the family to create a safety plan, which may include in-home services or temporary placement if necessary.
• Outcomes: Depending on the investigation, we may:
  • Close the case if no safety concerns are found.
  • Offer an Informal Disposition Agreement, a voluntary plan to address concerns without court involvement.
  • Refer the case to the court for a Dispositional Order, which may include court-ordered services or placement.

Our goal is to resolve concerns quickly and respectfully, always prioritizing the child’s safety and the family’s unity.

Our Commitment

We understand that CPS involvement can feel overwhelming, but our team is here to support, not judge. We believe in the strength of families and work tirelessly to provide resources and guidance that empower parents and protect children. Our approach is trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and focused on building trust with the families we serve. By partnering with our community, we aim to create a safe, nurturing environment for every child in Pepin County.

Prevention and Community Support

Preventing child abuse and neglect starts with a strong community. We offer prevention programs, such as parenting workshops and family resource fairs, to equip families with the tools they need to thrive. We also encourage community members to get involved by reporting concerns early, volunteering, or supporting local initiatives that strengthen families.