Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Embedded Social Workers topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee approves Hennepin County contract amendment to continue embedded social workers in Minneapolis precincts
Summary
The committee approved a contract amendment with Hennepin County to continue an embedded social‑work program that responds to behavioral‑health calls in Minneapolis precincts; staff said the program had 450+ referrals in 2024 and five embedded social workers currently cover the city.
The committee approved a contract amendment with Hennepin County to fund embedded social workers who work in or alongside Minneapolis police precincts to respond to residents with mental‑health or substance‑use needs.
Nicole Robbins, program manager for Hennepin County Behavioral Health, said the embedded social work program is part of a layered crisis response model and that in 2024 there were over 450 referrals with contact made in over 60% of referrals. Robbins said five embedded social workers support Minneapolis precincts, two of whom specialize in high‑risk youth referrals and are housed in the second and third precincts but accept referrals citywide.
Vice Chair Wansley asked for precinct‑level breakdowns, demographics and types of services rendered; Robbins said the program collects that data and will provide follow‑up to council.
Chair Chavez moved approval of the contract amendment and the motion carried. Committee members said they want the county to provide regular data updates to the council to track outcomes and effectiveness.
