DEPARTMENT: Social Services-Mental Health & Substance Use Services
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
title
Update On Crisis Continuum Embedded Social Workers
end
RESOLUTION
body
Information only; no action requested.
end
BACKGROUND
The embedded social worker pilot launched in 2019 as an innovative partnership aimed at providing a more effective, coordinated response to residents whose use of emergency services may indicate a need for a more integrated response from law enforcement and social services. By Resolution No. 20-449 (September 22, 2020), the County Board approved entering into joint powers agreements that outline partnership roles and responsibilities of the Pilot.
By Resolution No. 21-618 (December 14, 2021), the County Board of Commissioners approved using American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund dollars to expand the Embedded Social Worker Model to all Dakota County cities. By Resolution No. 22-164 (April 12, 2022), the County Board of Commissioners approved to expand the Embedded Social Worker Model to interested Dakota County cities.
As of 2026, there are nine cities throughout Dakota County, and eight total full-time equivalent (FTE) embedded social workers. Current funding for 2026 is a combination of ARP, levy, fund balance, and grant funding.
In June of 2026, Dakota County was awarded a grant of $299,999.99 for a grant period around August 1, 2026, to June 30, 2028, and by Resolution No. 26-324 (August 4, 2026), the County Board of Commissioners approved acceptance of grant funds and to execute contracts with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and Office of Justice Programs (OJP). By Resolution No. 26-274 (June 23, 2026), the County Board of Commissioners approved application of an additional Office of Justice Programs grant with the outcome pending. Both OJP grants are listed in the funding chart below. The 2027 FTE Planning Base includes 6.0 FTE embedded social workers with the 50/50 city ...
Click here for full text