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Board proclaims March 2025 Social Work Month; HHS reports lowest-ever out-of-home placements and cost savings
Summary
Wright County proclaimed March 2025 Social Work Month and Health & Human Services staff reported a drop in children placed out of home to 69 in January (down from 165 in January 2018), credited in part to preventive services and program changes; the board also approved a letter of support for Functional Industries’ grant application.
The Wright County Board of Commissioners on March 4 proclaimed March 2025 as Social Work Month and heard Health and Human Services staff highlight program changes tied to sharply lower out-of-home placement counts.
Jamie (Health & Human Services) invited social services managers Michelle Miller and Jill Pooler to brief the board. Miller and Pooler described the month’s theme, “Social Work + Action,” and summarized services: child protection, family-strengthening supports and prevention-focused work. Jamie told the board that, as of January, 69 children were in out-of-home placement — the lowest January total the county has recorded — compared with 165 in January 2018. Miller and Pooler credited prevention efforts, case navigation and program redesign for part of the decline.
Commissioners and staff noted the decline appeared alongside roughly 2,300 reports screened annually and that improved front-end responses and new programs reduce the necessity for placement while also saving county funds. Jamie reported the out-of-home placement budget came in approximately $1,500,000 under budget for 2024.
Separately, the board approved a letter of support for Functional Industries’ application for a grant to purchase a new van to assist senior transportation and community programming; the motion passed unanimously.
Why it matters: Declines in out-of-home placements can indicate effective preventive and in-home support services, with potential cost savings and reduced disruption for children and families. HHS staff emphasized the intention to keep expanding community programs and preventive supports.
What’s next: Staff said Social Work Month events are planned the week of March 11–18 and the department will continue to report key performance measures to the board. The letter of support will be signed and transmitted for Functional Industries’ grant application.
