Item Description:
title
Joint Powers Agmts A2311578 with the West Hennepin Public Safety and A2311577 with the City of Osseo, to expand services of the Hennepin County 911 Embedded Social Worker Program, 03/01/23-12/31/24
end
Resolution:
body
BE IT RESOLVED, that Joint Powers Agreements A2311578 with the West Hennepin Public Safety and A2311577 with the City of Osseo to enhance the coordination between local police departments and the Human Services and Public Health Department (HSPHD) associated with the 911 Embedded Social Worker Program for the period of March 1, 2023 through December 31, 2024 be approved; and that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the Joint Powers Agreements on behalf of the County.
end
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 911 and 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 Joint Powers Agreements to expand access to the 911 Embedded Social Worker Program to the West Hennepin Public Safety and the City of Osseo.
Through the program, Embedded Social Workers receive referrals from the municipal law enforcement agencies regarding individuals who appear to have mental health, substance use, or other issues. Embedded Social Workers will 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 2022, Embedded Social Workers engaged more than 6,800 people across 22 police departments and 37 cities. 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