Engage with Child & Family Services (CFS)

Family playing outside

At Olmsted County Child and Family Services, community voices matter. We’re dedicated to partnering with families and local organizations to build services that truly support children and families.

What we’re hearing from families

In 2025, we invited families to share their experiences through a survey. The feedback highlighted what’s working well — especially strong, respectful relationships with our staff and positive outcomes like improved stability and family connections. Families also told us they feel their cultural backgrounds and strengths are honored, which builds trust and healing.

At the same time, we heard where we can do better. Clearer communication, easier access to services, and more tailored support in areas like mental health and parenting are top priorities. This feedback guides how we improve training, coordinate care, and design programs.

Ways to engage 

  • Connect with our team at community forums to share your ideas and experiences.
  • Partner with us through schools, nonprofits, and cultural groups to strengthen support for families.

Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act (MAAFPCWDA) 

Olmsted County is implementing the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act to reduce racial disparities in child welfare and strengthen family preservation. This work is ongoing and informed by staff training, policy updates, and community partnership.

Implementation update 

The Olmsted County Child and Family Services (CFS) Department has begun foundational work to prepare for future implementation of the Act.

In 2025, CFS partnered with the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families to align local efforts with statewide work. The department also began engaging the community by sharing information about the Act and creating opportunities to hear directly from individuals impacted by the child protection system, including through the Barbershop Talk community conversation.

Later in 2025, CFS leadership reviewed current practices alongside the Act’s requirements to identify areas of alignment and opportunities for improvement. Cross-department workgroups are now in place to support readiness for full implementation on January 1, 2027.

Learn more about how the Act is being implemented locally

These resources share how the Act is shaping decision-making, service delivery, and engagement with families and community partners.