About the Child Protection Section
The Child Protection Section provides advice and representation to the Department of Family and Community Services’ Office of Children's Services. The services provided by the Section include:
- giving advice on child protection statutes and regulations
- instituting court actions when children must be removed from abusive or neglectful homes or when court oversight is required
- working closely with the Department on legal decision-making during the life of the case filing petitions, when necessary, to terminate parental rights so that safe, permanent homes for children can be found if reunification is not possible.
Scope of Work
Helping Kids and Families is What We Do
Helping kids and families is part of the job. When the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) of a child or children reach a point in their lives where they cannot safely provide care for their child(ren)—the Child Protection Section is part of the process of getting parents back on the path to being a parent who can safely care for their child(ren). The job won’t be easy and success won’t be fast. You’ll see and read troubling specifics.You will be frustrated by people and policies, but in the end you will playing a part in helping place child(ren) back with their parent(s)/legal guardian(s) in a better, safer situation. Or, if reunification with a parent(s)/legal guardian(s) isn’t possible you’ll assist OCS with placing kids with families that are able to give them the safe, stable, and loving environment they need to thrive. Some employees believe it is that transition of a child in jeopardy to a loving home that makes working in the Child Protection Section deeply fulfilling.
Visit Department of Family and Community Services (DFCS) to learn more about OCS.
Section Contact
For further information on the Child Protection Section contact:
Carla Erickson
Chief Assistant Attorney General, Section Supervisor
907-269-5100