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| Social Services Programs |
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If you have a question about a social service program, or want to make a referral for services, please call our general number, 651-565-3351, and ask to speak to the Intake Social Worker.
Children's Services
Child Protection Reports of child maltreatment are screened within 24 hours. Those that meet the state guidelines for a child protection response are opened for either a Family Assessment or Traditional Investigation depending on the level of severity of the allegation. Social Workers will determine child’s safety, level of risk, family needs and family strengths. On-going child protection services will be provided if determined necessary. In some cases, Social Services will involve the court via a CHIPS (Child in Need of Protection or Services) petition if deemed necessary.
Child Welfare Families may request voluntary services for help in the areas of parenting techniques, support, and child development concerns. In addition, children over the age of 12 who are truant and under the jurisdiction of the court via a Truancy CHIPS also receive services in an effort to correct the truancy problem.
Children's Mental Health Children who have a diagnostic assessment with a qualified mental health professional and are diagnosed with a severe emotional disturbance qualify for children’s mental health case management services. A social worker can provide support, coordination of therapeutic services, in home-services, and access to parenting resources as needed. In some cases, respite can be provided. The most serious cases may require inpatient treatment or waivered services.
Minor Parents A social worker will provide an assessment of a minor parent’s needs whenever the county is notified of a birth to a minor. Minors who are receiving public assistance must have an on-going open case with a social worker for monitoring and service provision. Minor parents who are not receiving public assistance can voluntarily continue with this service if they choose.
Child Foster Care Licensing Single adults or couples over age 21 who are interested in becoming foster parents for children should contact Becky Kruger at 651-565-3028. The county will assess both the physical requirements of the home, and the applicant’s ability and willingness to serve as a resource for parents and children involved in the child protection system. A federal background check and training are required.
Disability Services
Adult Protection Reports of vulnerable adult maltreatment are screened within 24 hours. If the report meets the criteria of maltreatment and the person meets the statutory definition of a vulnerable adult, an adult protection investigation will be initiated. Social Workers will determine the vulnerable adult’s safety, level of risk, strengths, and on-going needs. On-going adult protection services will be provided if determined necessary. In some cases, Social Services will involve the court via a Commitment or Guardian/Conservator petition if deemed necessary.
Adult Mental Health Adult with a serious and persistent mental illness as defined by Minnesota statute qualify for Adult Mental Health case management services. A social worker can provide support, coordination of therapeutic services and medications, assistance in accessing transportation, and information and referral. Additional services can be provided if the person qualifies for a Medical Assistance (MA) Waiver program or CREST funding. There is sliding fee scale for this service for persons who are not on Medical Assistance.
Adult Foster Care Licensing Single adults or couples over age 21 who are interested in becoming foster parents for vulnerable adults should contact Becky Kruger at 651-565-3028. The county will assess both the physical requirements of the home, and the applicant’s ability and willingness to serve as a resource for adults with mental illness or developmental disabilities. A federal background check and training are required.
Chemical Dependency A person seeking help to overcome addiction may qualify for funding for inpatient or outpatient treatment services. Eligible individuals are those who meet the income guidelines for Medical Assistance (MA) and who have had an approved Chemical Dependency Assessment (also called a Rule 25 Assessment).
Developmental Disabilities Individuals with a full scale IQ below 70 qualify for case management services from a developmental disabilities social worker. Occasionally individuals with IQ’s over 70 may qualify if they have a related condition. Case management services include advocacy, information, referral, and monitoring of services. Additional services can be provided if the person qualifies for a Medical Assistance (MA) Waiver program (see below).
Waiver Programs (DD, TBI, CADI) Adults (or children) who are certified disabled by either the Social Security Administration or the State Medical Review Team may qualify for services under one of three Medicaid Waiver Programs. An MA Waiver allows an individual to receive services that will help keep the person living in the community, and prevent admission to an institutional living situation (Nursing Home or Intermediate Care Facility for Developmental Disabilities or State Residential Treatment Center). Waivered services include foster care, respite care, employment supports, chore services, homemaking or personal assistance in the home, independent living supports, transportation, environmental modifications or adaptations, equipment and supplies, and some other specialized services as needed.
Specialized Services
Staff
Supervisor Marci Hitz, MSW, LISW
Phone: (651)-565-3027
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Children's Servces Social Workers
Disability Services Social Workers
Specialized Services
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