Item Description:
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Amd 1 to JPA A2412454 with the City of Bloomington to modify existing services of the Hennepin County Embedded Social Worker Program, 07/01/25-12/31/26
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that Amendment 1 to Joint Powers Agreement A2412454 with the City of Bloomington, updates the agreement language to reduce 1 FTE and associated costs of the Embedded Social Worker Program for the period July 1, 2025 -- December 31, 2026, be approved; and that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the amended Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) on behalf of the County.
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Background:
In 2019, six cities partnered with Hennepin County’s Behavioral Health Area to pilot embedding workers in their police departments for a tailored response to health-related calls in the field. The department requests approval of Amendment 1 which is updating agreement language to reduce by 1 FTE and associated costs. This reduction is requested to adjust the resources allocated to better match the needs of Bloomington and is based on data and discussions about how best to partner across the County, City, and community. One FTE will continue to be available through the updated JPA.
Embedded Social Workers receive referrals from the municipal police departments and dispatch offices who appear to have mental health, substance use, or other needs. The goal of the program is to reduce law enforcement contact, justice involvement, and improve the stability for individuals through engagement, assessment and connection to community-based services in their community.
In 2024, the embedded social worker program received over 7,500 referrals resulting in more than 5,000 connections to community services across 31 police departments and 45 municipalities. While a significant number of people were referred to mental health supports, many needed help across a wide range of Human Services like housing and economic support.
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