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Intake and Referral Services
Intake Social Worker's answer phone calls and meet with the general public to provide information regarding any/all services available to address identified needs. Referrals may be made to outside agencies, if appropriate. Individuals needing agency services will meet with an Intake Social Worker to complete an application for services. All Child Protection reports are handled by the Intake Social Worker. The Intake Social worker is also available to explain the reporting statutes, answer any questions regarding agency practices and services, and discuss other resources and strategies for the family to utilize. An Intake Social Worker is on duty Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5 PM and can be reached by calling (218) 824-1140.
Child Protection Assessments
Child Protection Assessments are conducted in response to reports of children being neglected or abused by caregivers. Law Enforcement investigates allegations of abuse or neglect by perpetrators outside the child's family or household. All child protection reports received by Social Services are screened by a Social Worker and Supervisor to determine whether the report meets the criteria established by State Statutes. We work with the various Law Enforcement agencies in the county as well as with community professionals and non-professionals to find out if the child was abused or neglected. We must also decide if child protection services are needed. Child abuse/neglect reports can be made Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM by calling Crow Wing County Social Services at (218) 824-1140 and asking for Child Protection Intake. After hours reports can be made by calling the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Department at (218) 829-4749. Reports can be made anonymously except if you are a Mandated Reporter (Individual's working directly with children i.e. teachers, daycare providers, doctors, etc.)
Child Protection and Child Welfare Case Management
Child Protection case management services are offered to families who have had a determination, based on a child protection risk assessment, that "protective services are needed". The ongoing child protection Social Worker works with families to develop case plans, which reduce the risk of abuse or neglect of children. Child Welfare case management services are provided to families who have requested services or have been referred by other agencies to participate in services which may improve family functioning. Services may include Intensive In-Home Counseling, Parenting Education, Respite Daycare or Foster Care, Out-of Home Placements, Minor Parent Assessments, Homemaker's Classes, etc.
Child Foster Care Licensing
Crow Wing County Social Services is responsible for the licensing of foster homes located in Crow Wing County. Additional foster homes are always needed, particularly home that are able to effectively parent teenagers.
Foster parents provide a temporary home for children when they cannot remain in their own home. Care is given until their own parents can resume this responsibility or until a permanent plan is made with relative or adoptive parents. Foster parents need to be caring and stable, as they will be helping children through a difficult time in their lives. Foster parents must be able to provide for their own family's financial needs, be good listeners, flexible, have a good sense of humor and work well with others in a team effort. Foster parents receive a financial reimbursement to care for the needs of children. A home study is conducted to help determine a person's suitability to do foster care. The home study includes a criminal background study, letters from references, a fire and safety check of the home and discussion of State foster care guidelines and standards. To apply for a foster care license, a person must be 21 years of age and reside in Crow Wing County.
If you are interested in applying to become a foster parent or would like someone to discuss the foster care program with you, please call (218) 824-1140 and ask for the Foster Care Licensing Social Worker.
Daycare Licensing
Crow Wing County Social Services is responsible to license and monitor family daycare homes. The licensing process includes signing an application form, a criminal background study, letters from references, a fire and safety check of the home and discussion of the State licensing guidelines and standards. A person must be 18 years of age and residing in Crow Wing County.
If you are interested in applying for a family daycare license or would like someone to discuss the daycare program with you, please call (218) 824-1140 and ask for a family daycare-licensing worker.
Child Care Assistance
Basic Sliding Fee childcare provides a childcare subsidy for low income working families. With prior approval, education may also be supported. For more information, contact the childcare intake worker at (218) 824-1140.
Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) childcare provides subsidies to help welfare recipients return to work and retain their jobs. Transition Year childcare provides one year of subsidy for welfare recipients who have left the MFIP program due to increased earnings.
For more information on either program, contact your income maintenance worker directly or for general information call (218) 824-1250.
Children's Mental Health Services
Case Management services are available to children experiencing severe emotional disturbances. This service helps families identify and coordinate mental health services for children and their families. Services are provided in collaboration with community resources i.e. Schools, Day Treatment facilities and Mental Health service providers.
Adoption Services
As an agent of the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Crow Wing County Social Services provides adoptive placement services to children who are in need of an adoptive home, through use of the State Adoption Exchange. Crow Wing County Social Services also provides referral information to local, private adoption agencies for families who are interested in Adoption. Additional information regarding adoption services can be obtained by calling Child Protection Intake at (218) 824-1140. |