Item Description:
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Amd 2 to JPA Agmt A2110930 with the City of Richfield to modify existing resources of the Police Embedded Social Worker Program, no changes to date or amt
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that Amendment 2 of the Joint Powers Agreement A2110930 with the City of Richfield, updates the agreement language, to remove 1 FTE that was reallocated to the Edina-Richfield Joint Powers Agmt A2412190, for the period of January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2025 be approved; and that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the Joint Powers Agreement on behalf of the County.
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Background:
Amendment 2 is updating agreement language, revising the description of services, and removing 1 FTE that was transferred as part of the Edina-Richfield Joint Powers Agmt.
In 2019, six suburban cities partnered with Hennepin County’s Behavioral Health Area to launch a new kind of response to mental health related calls by embedding social workers in their police departments. This systematic and layered approach allows for a tailored assessment and response for residents who engage law enforcement because of mental health and substance use needs. As of 2023, all police departments in Hennepin County had access to an embedded social worker. These programs leverage grants, billing, property taxes, and a cost share with police departments to finance the costs.
Through the program, Embedded Social Workers respond to referrals and offer support, assessments, and connections to community services. The goal of the program is to reduce criminal justice system involvement and create timely access to social services. The integration of social workers into emergency response reduces unnecessary law enforcement contacts and raises quality of life for individuals through ongoing stability in their community. In 2023 the program served nearly 7,000 individuals across 42 cities county-wide. The total number of connections to care for this vulnerable population was about 4,000 referrals for community-based behavioral health services and supports.
This request supports the county’s identified priorities and goals for the disparity reduction Health domain by focusing on achieving health equity where every person feels they have the opportunity to attain their highest health potential, and no one is disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of social position or other socially determined circumstances.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval