Child Protection
Reports of child maltreatment within the family are screened within 24 hours. Those reports that are about an alleged perpetrator outside the family unit are referred to local law enforcement. Reports that meet the state guidelines for a child protection response are opened for either a Family Assessment or Traditional Investigation depending on the severity of the allegation. Social Workers will determine the child’s safety, level of risk, family needs and family strengths. On-going child protection services will be provided if determined necessary.
Child Welfare
Families may request voluntary services for help in the areas of parenting techniques, support, and child development concerns. In addition, children over the age of 12 who are truant and under the jurisdiction of the court via a Truancy CHIPS also receive services in an effort to correct the truancy problem.
Children's Mental Health
Children who have a diagnostic assessment with a qualified metal health professional and are diagnosed with a severe emotional disturbance qualify for children’s mental health case management services. A social worker can provide support, coordination of therapeutic services, in-home services, and access to parenting resources as needed. In some cases, respite can be provided. The most serious cases may be referred to a mental health center for case management services.
Minor Parents
A social worker will provide an assessment of a minor parent’s needs whenever the county is notified of a birth to a minor. Minors who are receiving public assistance must have an on-going open case with a social worker for monitoring and service provision. Minor parents who are not receiving public assistance can request service as well.
Child Foster Care Licensing
For information regarding Child Foster Care Licensing, please click HERE.
Adult Protection
Fillmore County receives Vulnerable Adult maltreatment reports from the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC). To make a report of Vulnerable Adult abuse or neglect, please call MAARC at (844) 880-1574.
Fillmore County screens reports of Vulnerable Adult maltreatment within 24 hours. If the report meets the criteria of maltreatment and the person meets the statutory definition of a Vulnerable Adult, an adult protection assessment or investigation is started. Adult Protection Workers will determine the Vulnerable Adult's safety, level of risk, strengths and ongoing needs. Adult protection services will be provided if determined necessary. In some cases, Social Services will involve the court via a Commitment or Guardian/Conservator petition, if deemed necessary.
County Prioritization Guidelines
Adult Mental Health
An Adult with a serious and persistent mental illness as defined by Minnesota statute qualifies for Adult Mental Health case management services. Case managers can provide support, coordination of therapeutic serves and medication, assistance in accessing transportation, and informant and referral. Additional services can be provided if the person qualifies for a Medical Assistance (MA) Waiver program or CREST funding.
Adult Foster Care Licensing
For information regarding Adult Foster Care Licensing, please click HERE.
Substance Abuse
As of 7/1/2022, a person seeking assistance for a substance use disorder may contact the provider of their choice for a Comprehensive Assessment. Currently, there are no providers in Fillmore County. Search engines for providers are: SUD Home - Fast-Tracker (fasttrackermn.org) and Licensing Information Look-up.
Medical Assistance or other insurance covers the cost of the assessment when medically necessary. If a person is uninsured, it is recommended that they apply for Medical Assistance. This can be done with a paper application or by creating an account and applying on www.mnsure.org. If a person is uninsured but eligible for Medical Assistance, funding for the cost of the Comprehensive Assessment may be authorized by the county. For inquiries, please contact Fillmore County Social Services Intake at (507) 765-2175.
Developmental Disabilities
Individuals with a full scale IQ below 70 qualify for case management services from a developmental disabilities social worker. Occasionally individuals with IQ’s over 70 may qualify if they have a related condition. Case management services include advocacy, information, referral, and monitoring of services. Additional services can be provided if the person qualifies for a Medical Assistance (MA) Waiver program. Waivered services can include foster care, respite care, employment supports, independent living supports, transportation, environmental modifications or adaptions, equipment and supplies, and some other specialized services as needed.
Children's Developmental Disabilities
Individuals with a full scale IQ below 70 qualify for case management services from a developmental disabilities social worker. Occasionally individuals with IQ's over 70 may qualify if they have a related condition. Case management services include advocacy, information, referral, and monitoring of services. Additional services can be provided if the person qualifies for a Medical Assistance (MA) Waiver program.
Child Care Licensing
The purpose of licensing is to protect the health, safety, and well being of children. The State of Minnesota has rules for those who care for children. Information and forms are provided to assist you in your application for Child Care Licensing in Fillmore County.
A Guide to Becoming a Licensed Family Child Care Provider, a plain-language handbook for people interested in getting a family child care license in Minnesota. It is now accessible and available on the Department of Human Services website at https://mn.gov/dhs/partners-and-providers/licensing/child-care-and-early-education/family
Dual License Variance Policy
Please click HERE to see administrative rules regarding family child care.
To view the Fillmore County Variance Policy regarding child care, please click HERE.