DEPARTMENT: Social Services-Adult Services
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Submit Grant Application To Minnesota Department Of Public Safety Office Of Justice Programs For Crisis Response Grants
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize submission of application to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Office of Justice Programs (OJP) for Crisis Response grant funds.
SUMMARY
On February 3, 2026, DPS OJP released a request for proposal (RFP) for the purpose to fund local law enforcement agencies and local governments to start, maintain, or expand crisis response teams in which social workers or mental health professionals serve as first responders when calls for service involve an individual in crisis. Funding may support a range of models including Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT), mobile crisis teams, co-responder models, alternative response teams (ART), and other social worker/mental health-led response approaches that improve safety, reduce unnecessary justice system involvement, and connect individuals to appropriate care.
Dakota County is a statewide leader in providing a continuum of coordinated law enforcement and mental health crisis response. Dakota County’s continuum includes 24/7/365 mobile crisis response, crisis follow-up, and crisis stabilization services. Dakota County’s crisis continuum is funded by county levy, third party billing, State grants and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Dakota County’s DPS OJP grant application will focus on sustaining joint law enforcement mental health activities as American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding is exhausted, specifically the Embedded Social Worker program.
The grant period is anticipated to be approximately 23-24 months, beginning on or around August 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2028. The maximum amount an applicant can propose is $300,000 for the grant period. Indirect costs can be requested in one of the following ways: budget expenses directly in eligible categories, using the Federally Negotiated Indirect Cost rate, and using the 15 percent de Minimis Indirect Cost Rate. Dakota County’s application will maximize the allowable indirect rate.
Applications are due March 16, 2026 (Attachment: Crisis Response RFP).
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends authorization to submit an application to DPS for Crisis Response grant funds for the period of August 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028, at the maximum allowable amount of $300,000, budgeting allowable indirect costs.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
If received, staff will come back with a recommendation to amend the 2026 Adopted Budget and any additional funds that carry over will be incorporated into the 2027 County Manager’s Recommended Budget.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, on February 3, 2026, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Office of Justice Programs (OJP) released a request for proposal (RFP) for the purpose to fund local law enforcement agencies and local governments to start, maintain, or expand crisis response teams in which social workers or mental health professionals serve as first responders when calls for service involve an individual in crisis; and
WHEREAS, funding may support a range of models including Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT), mobile crisis teams, co-responder models, alternative response teams (ART), and other social worker/mental health-led response approaches that improve safety, reduce unnecessary justice system involvement, and connect individuals to appropriate care; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County is a statewide leader in providing a continuum of coordinated law enforcement and mental health crisis response, and Dakota County’s continuum includes 24/7/365 mobile crisis response, crisis follow-up, and crisis stabilization services; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County’s crisis continuum is funded by county levy, third party billing, state grants and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA); and
WHEREAS, Dakota County’s DPS OJP grant application will focus on sustaining joint law enforcement mental health activities as American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding is exhausted, specifically the Embedded Social Worker program; and
WHEREAS, the grant period is anticipated to be approximately 23-24 months, beginning on or around August 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2028, and the maximum amount an applicant can propose is $300,000 for the grant period; and
WHEREAS, indirect costs can be requested in one of the following ways: budget expenses directly in eligible categories, using the Federally Negotiated Indirect Cost rate, and using the 15 percent de Minimis Indirect Cost Rate; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County’s application will maximize the allowable indirect rate; and
WHEREAS, applications are due March 16, 2026.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Assistant County Manager to submit an application to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for Crisis Response Grant funds in an amount up to $300,000 for the period of August 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Crisis Response RFP
BOARD GOALS
☒ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACTS
Department Head: Emily Schug
Author: Emily Schug