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JPAs A2412454 with the City of Bloomington, A2412455 with the City of Brooklyn Center, A2412458 with the City of Maple Grove, A2412460 with the City of New Hope, to continue services of the Hennepin County Embedded Social Worker Program, 01/01/25-12/31/26
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that Joint Powers Agreements A2412454 with the City of Bloomington, A2412455 with the City of Brooklyn Center, A2412458 with the City of Maple Grove, A2412460 with the City of New Hope, to enhance the coordination between local police departments and the Human Services and Public Health Department (HSPHD) associated with the Embedded Social Worker Program for the period of January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026 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 Department requests approval for the Joint Powers Agreements to continue the Police Embedded Social Workers in the Cities of Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Maple Grove and New Hope.
Through the program, Embedded Social Workers receive referrals from local law enforcement regarding individuals who appear to have mental health, substance use, or other social service needs. Embedded Social Workers offer support, assessments, and connections to community services. The goal of the program is to reduce unnecessary law enforcement contacts, justice involvement and improve quality of life for individuals through ongoing stability in their community. In 2023, the Embedded...
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