Item Description:
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Amendments and Agreements with ten (10) cities for services of the Hennepin County Embedded Social Worker Program
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that Amendments and Agreements for services of the Hennepin County Embedded Social Worker Program for the following agencies, extending or with an end date to through December 31, 2026 be approved:
Agreement A2513138 with the Cities of Edina and Richfield
Amendment 1 to Agreement A2412455 with the City of Brooklyn Center
Amendment 1 to Agreement A2412461 with the City of Robbinsdale/Three Rivers Park Distrct
Amendment 1 to Agreement A2412635 with the City of Champlin
Amendment 1 to Agreement A2412636 with MECC
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Amendments to Agreements for services of the Hennepin County Embedded Social Worker Program for the following agencies, extending the end dates through December 31, 2027, be approved:
Amendment 1 to Agreement A2312127 with the City of Eden Prairie
Amendment 1 to Agreement A2312128 with the City of Golden Valley
Amendment 1 to Agreement A2312129 with the City of Hopkins
Amendment 1 to Agreement A2412472 with the City of Minneapolis
Amendment 2 to Agreement A2211538 with the City of Brooklyn Park
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Background:
In 2022, Hennepin County launched a pilot program to test an alternative 911 response model for calls involving individuals experiencing mental health challenges and co-occurring substance use disorders. Building on the success of this pilot in Brooklyn Park, the Department is requesting approval to continue the Hennepin County Embedded Social Worker Program in the Cities of Champlin, Robbinsdale and the Three Rivers Park District through this agreement.
Embedded Social Workers receive referrals from municipal police departments and dispatch offices for individuals who appear to be experiencing mental health issues, substance use challenges, or other social service needs. The program aims to:
• Reduce law enforcement involvement in behavioral health-related calls,
• Minimize justice system involvement, and
• Improve individual stability through engagement, assessment, and connection to
community-based services.
In 2024, the Embedded Social Worker program received over 9,000 referrals, resulting in more than 7,600 successful connections to community services across 31 police departments and 45 municipalities where 97% of residents remained in community. While many individuals were referred to mental health services, a significant number required support across a broad range of Human Services, including housing and economic assistance. At least one city reported decreased mental health, suicide and overdose calls by 31% from 2023 to 2024.
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.
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Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval