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.

Upcoming events

We invite you to connect with us at these upcoming events designed to hear your voice and strengthen our community partnerships.

Barbershop Talk - Facebook Live
Date: December 13, 2025
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Tune in by visiting www.facebook.com/barbershoptalksouthmn. 

Join leaders from Child and Family Services for a special Barbershop Talk Live event on Facebook. This session will feature an informative discussion on the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act (MAAFPCWDA).

The conversation will include:

  • A refreshed overview of the MAAFPCWDA legislation
  • A step-by-step walkthrough of the Child Protection process, including what happens when a concern is reported and the key decision points along the way

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about how child protection decisions are made and how this legislation impacts families in our community.