Session 1C
Emergency Child Removals: Trauma Informed Approaches for Law Enforcement
Boyd Billman, FDL PD
Presentation
In the absence of a court order, law enforcement holds the sole statutory authority to remove children from their home in emergency situations (Under MN Statute §260C.175). This training provides information to deepen law enforcement’s understanding of their statutory authority to remove children in emergency situations. Topics include considerations for determining if an emergency removal should take place, trauma-informed approaches to removals, and options for consultation to promote the best interest of the child and protect the child and family’s rights. This course is designed to be an overview and spark discussion and development within your agency or organization.
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Information on law enforcement’s statutory authority for emergency removals
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Recognition of the specifics of law enforcement’s role and concrete suggestions for keeping the best interest of the child in mind when determining if an emergency removal must occur
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Suggestions for collaborating with child welfare professionals to determine the best interest of the child when an emergency placement is needed (i.e. working with tribes, multidisciplinary teams, consultation)
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Trauma-informed approaches to conducting emergency removals when it is determined one is necessary
This course is informed by findings from a multi-year working group on emergency child removals, which included input from the Department of Public Safety, law enforcement, and youth with child protection removal experience. The purpose is to provide law enforcement with more clarification on when emergency child removals should take place, and what consultation with child welfare can look like when making these decisions. It also aims to reduce trauma for children and families. The training content was developed by members of law enforcement with considerations from child welfare partners.