Item Description:
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Joint Powers Agmt A2412472 with the City of Minneapolis to continue services of the Hennepin County Police Embedded Social Worker Program, 09/01/24-12/31/27
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that Joint Powers Agreement A2412472 with the City of Minneapolis to enhance the coordination between local police departments and the Human Services and Public Health Department associated with the Police Embedded Social Worker Program during the period of September 1, 2024 through December 31, 2027 be approved; and that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the Joint Powers Agreements on behalf of the county.
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Background:
In 2019, six suburban cities (Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Plymouth and St. Louis Park) partnered with Hennepin County’s Behavioral Health Area to launch a new kind of response to mental health-related calls in the field: embedding social workers in their police departments. This systematic and layered approach allows for a tailored assessment and response for people calling because of mental health and substance use issues. The Police Embedded Social Worker Program expanded to nine additional municipalities in 2021 and further expanded to another 12 municipalities in 2022. The Department requests approval for a Joint Powers Agreement to continue the Police Embedded Social Workers in Minneapolis.
Through the program, Embedded Social Workers receive referrals from the municipal police departments and dispatch offices (where applicable) regarding individuals who appear to have mental health, substance use, or other issues during interactions with police and/or dispatch. Embedded Social Workers will offer support, assessments, and connections to community services that will best meet their needs. 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 Embedded Social Worker program received over 8,400 referrals and engaged more than 5,600 people 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. As an example of their effectiveness, Embedded Social Workers produced an 80% reduction in calls among the top 25 callers in Brooklyn Park, an early adopter of the Embedded Social Worker Program.
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