Houston County Human Services Mission Statement
The County Human Services Department is under the supervision of an appointed Board. The five elected County Commissioners also serve as the Human Services Board. The Board selects and hires a Human Services Director to administer and oversee the various Federal, State and County programs.
By statute, the Human Services Department is responsible for administering social services, child support services and financial assistance programs under state supervision. The Department is responsible for providing protective services to vulnerable adults and children, for helping the elderly and disabled to achieve their highest level of independence, for providing child support services to custodial and non-custodial parents, and for assisting indigent and low-income families and individuals to meet their basic needs or to become self-sufficient.
In Houston County, the Human Services Department is divided into four units: Social Services, Income Maintenance, Child Support and Accounting, with the Director providing oversight for all units.
Houston County Local Resources
Houston County Adult Protection Services (APS) Prioritization Guidelines
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Limited English Proficiency Plan
Comprehensive Civil Rights Plan
MN Adult Abuse Reporting Center
Report Child Abuse
Maltreatment of Children is a Crime. It is our responsibility to protect children at all times. Report any suspected child abuse or neglect to:
Houston County Social Services
(507-) 725-5811
Please ask for an intake worker.
You can use this number during business hours
8 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Friday
or
If it is after hours and an emergency, you can call:
Houston County Sheriff’s Department
(507) 725-3379
Crisis Response: 1-844-CRISIS2 or 1-844-274-7472
Collaborative Resources Education Services and Technology (CREST)
HOUSTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
304 S Marshall St. Rm 104 Caledonia, MN 55921
Telephone: 507-725-5811 Fax: 507-507-3990
Toll free: 1-866-497-4368
611 Vista Dr, Caledonia, MN 55921
507-725-5810
Office Hours: 8:00 am-4:30 pm Monday-Friday
Houston County Human Services Mission Statement for the Financial Assistance Unit
The Houston County Financial Assistance Unit, in partnership
with other agencies, administers public assistance programs timely and accurately, assists
individuals in the eligibility process as necessary, guides individuals in moving toward
self-sufficiency, and treats all individuals with dignity and respect.
Services and Responsibilities
In partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, the Houston County Financial Assistance Unit works to help people with low incomes transition to economic stability. Economic Stability includes cash assistance programs, food support, child care assistance, child support services, refugee services, employment services and health care programs.
How To Apply?
You may obtain a Combined Application Form (CAF) by making a request in one of the following ways:
• Mail your request: Houston County Human Services, 304 S Marshall Room 104, Caledonia, MN 55921
• Call Houston County Human Services: 507-725-5811
• Fax request to 507-725-3990
• Stop by the Houston County Human Services office: 304 S Marshall Room 104, Caledonia, MN 55921
• Apply online: MNbenefits.mn.gov
• Download: Combined Application Form from the DHS website
• Applications for SNAP and Cash programs require an interview
MNbenefits is Minnesota's secure, online system you can use to apply for cash assistance, SNAP (food support), emergency help, and child care assistance programs.
How to Apply for Health Care Coverage
MNsure
Apply for public and open market health insurance at the MNsure website.
The MNsure website was launched on January 2014. You can apply for public healthcare programs and shop online for healthcare coverage by visiting MNsure.org or by calling 1-855-3MNsure (1-855-366-7873) for more information, including the names of community agencies that can help you apply or provide language assistance.
We also have self-service computers available for people to apply through MNSure in our lobby at our Houston County Office.
MNsure Paper Application
If you need health care coverage right away and cannot apply at MNsure.org, you can download and complete a MNSure Paper Application from the Minnesota Department of Human Services website and submit the completed and signed paper application to our office via mail, email, or fax at 507-556-3012.
Certain Populations Paper Applications
You WILL NOT want to apply through MNSure and you WILL want to complete a Health Care Application for Certain Populations (PDF) if you are any one of the following:
- Age 65 or older
- Blind or have a disability
- Only requesting help with Medicare costs
- Child is in Foster Care
- 21 years old or older, have no dependents, and have Medicare coverage
- Receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Applying for Medical Assistance for Employed Person with Disabilities - MA-EPD
Other documents:
Insurance Affordability Programs (IAPs) Income and Asset Guidelines
2022-2023 Childcare Assistance Plan
Houston County Daycare Providers
Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)
Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)
Emergency Assistance (EA) and Emergency General (EGA)
Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP (formerly known as Food Support)
Basic Sliding Fee (BSF) Child Care
Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) Child Care
MA is a federal program that may pay medical bills for people who cannot pay them. Recipients must be under age 21 or over age 65, pregnant, blind, disabled, or parents or caretakers of a child under age 19. Click here for more information about MA.
Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)
RMA is a federal program that may pay medical bills for certain refugees who cannot pay them, who cannot get MA, and who have been in the U.S. eight months or less. Click here for more information on RMA.
MinnesotaCare is a state and federal program that helps people who do not have other insurance, and do not get MA or GAMC. Recipients will pay a monthly premium. Click here for more information on MinnesotaCare.
Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) is Minnesota's welfare reform program for low-income families with children. It includes both cash and food assistance. The purpose of MFIP is to help families transition to economic stability. MFIP parents are expected to work and are supported in working. Most families can get cash assistance for only 60 months. In July 2004, Minnesota started a Diversionary Work Program (DWP). This is a short-term, intensive work program to help families move immediately to work rather than go on welfare. For more information about MFIP and DWP.
Emergency Assistance (EA) and Emergency General (EGA)
EA and EGA are short-term help for people who need money for crisis such as fire, utility shut off, eviction, illness, theft, loss of job, or other major problems. EA is for those who have children in the home under the age 21. EGA is for those who cannot get MFIP or EA.
GA is a monthly cash payment which helps with money for food, housing, and other basic needs. It is for people who cannot work, have little or no income and are not able to get help from other state and federal programs. For more information about GA.
Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA)
MSA is a monthly cash payment which helps people whose disability, retirement, or other income is not enough. People must be 65 or older, or disabled and age 18 or older, or blind. For more information about MSA.
RCA is a monthly cash payment for certain refugees who have been in the U.S. eight months or less. For more information about Refugee Assistance.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP (formerly known as Food Support)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is an electronic benefit program that can be used like money to buy food to supplement your nutritional needs. It is for single people and families with or without children who meet the income requirements. You may also qualify for SNAP right away if you meet any one of the criteria below. You should call us right away for an in-office or telephone interview if any one of the following statements are true:
- You have less than $150 in monthly income and less than $100 in liquid assets.
- You are a destitute migrant or seasonal worker, and you have $100 or less in liquid assrets.
- Your household income and liquid assets are less than your actual monthly housing and utility costs.
For more information about Supplemental Nutrition Food Support Program (SNAP)
In partnership with the Department of Human Services, Wabasha County administers the federal and state Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) that provides a subsidy for child care for working parents who are income-eligible.
Basic Sliding Fee (BSF) Child Care
- For work hours for families whose income is under 175% of the Federal Poverty level
- Must be working a minimum of 20 hours per week
Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) Child Care
- For approved activities as authorized by family's MFIP Case Manager
- For work hours for up to 12 months after family has closed MFIP due to excess income
Find out more about Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program
Karen Kohlmeyer
Financial Assistance Supervisor
P: 866-497-4368
P: 507-725-5811
F: 507-725-3990
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Public Health and Human Services are available by appointment only…please call ahead to schedule an appointment.
Public Health 507-725-5810
Human Services 507-725-5811
Houston County Human Services Mission Statement for Child Support
The Houston County Child Support Unit, in partnership with many
others, promotes the well-being of children and families through paternity establishment and child
support collections. We focus on helping families achieve and maintain self-sufficiency by
establishing fair and enforceable child support orders. Our goal is for children to receive the
financial support they need and deserve from both parents.
Services and Responsibilities
The Child Support and Recovery Unit is responsible for providing the services of:
Paternity Establishment
Locating Non-Custodial Parents
Obtaining, Maintaining, and Modifying Child Support Orders
Collecting and Disbursing Child Support and Spousal Support
Enforcing Child Support, Spousal Support, and Medical Support Services
Information and referral
http://www.childsupport.dhs.state.mn.us/Action/Welcome
Karen Kohlmeyer
Financial Assistance Supervisor
P: 866-497-4368
P: 507-725-5811
F: 507-725-3990
Do you want to make a difference in the life of a child? Are you dependable, caring, understanding, patient, adaptive, and able to accept a child’s experience and importance of their family? Do you have experience in caring for children? Then you should consider becoming a licensed foster parent for children in need in Houston County!
Licensing is required for prospective foster parents in order to assess the ability to provide for the safety, permanency and well-being of the children in their homes. In Minnesota, interested families and individuals can be licensed by counties, tribal communities, and private agencies in a one-step process for foster care and adoption.
Houston County follows the MN DHS guidelines for the requirements of licensing, but these can be met in various ways. Here are some of the basic components:
- Informational Sessions
- Application
- Home Study assessment
- Background Studies
- Orientation and Training
- Home Safety Inspection
The first step is to fill out the application and submit it. Houston County licensing staff will then explain the process and requirements and be available to you before, during and after licensing. We know what an important decision becoming a foster family is, and we will be with you every step of the way!
The outcome of the licensing process is that Houston County will recommend to the State that you meet the standard and receive a license; or your application will be denied. If your license is denied, you have the right to appeal.
Child Foster Care Training Requirements
- Children's Mental Health Video and Certification- Initial licensing requirement
- What Foster, Prospective And Post Adoptive Families Need To Know About Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders | Proof Alliance Online Training
- Normalcy and Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard Training Video
- To find an upcoming SUID/AHT training, please follow this link and search SUID/AHT Develop - Event Search (developtoolmn.org)
- To find a C.A.R.S training near you, please follow this link and search for C.A.R.S.
- Mandated Reporter Training
Child Foster Care Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to live in Houston County?
Yes. For Houston County to license you as a foster care provider, you must live in Houston County.
Do I need to live in a house?
No. Apartments, condominiums, or mobile homes can be options.
Do I have to be married?
No, you do not have to be married.
Can I be a single parent?
Yes, you can be a single parent.
How old do I need to be?
You must be 21 years old or older to become a child foster care provider.
Can I work outside of my home?
Yes, you can work outside of your home.
Who pays for the child's medical expenses?
All medical and dental expenses are provided for the child through the county or private insurance.
Can a foster child share a room with my child?
Yes, bedrooms can be shared, but each child needs his/her own bed.
How long do foster children stay in foster homes?
Foster care varies in length depending on the child and his/her parents' circumstances.
Can I adopt a foster child?
There are circumstances in which a foster child could be adopted if reunification with family is not able to occur.
Will I be paid for taking care of a foster child?
Yes. Foster parents are reimbursed costs associated with the care of children in foster care. The amount depends on the level of care that child requires.
Fostering brings unique experiences and challenges that will require you to look at your life from different perspectives. As you think through the decision to become foster parents and whether or not it’s the right fit for your family, we encourage you to review these things to consider compiled by MNAdopt, a great resource for Minnesota families looking to learn more about foster care and adoption.
For questions, please contact:
Lauren Solum, LSW
Houston County Licensor
Houston County Public Health and Human Services
304 S. Marshall St. Room 104, Caledonia, MN 55921
P: 507-725-5811 ext. 1341 | Fax: 507-725-3990
E: Lauren.Solum@co.houston.mn.us
Thank you for your interest in becoming a licensed childcare provider in Houston County. We are always happy to welcome new providers for the area. Below is information on what is required for licensing and the process we follow. Additional information on the process is provided at orientation.
Houston County FCC Variance Policy
Who Needs to be licensed?
The following childcare situations are excluded from licensure:
- Child care provided by a relative to only related children; and, or
- Child care provided to children from a single, unrelated family, for any length of time;
- Child care provided for a cumulative total of less than 30 days in any 12-month period
If you do not meet the exclusion criteria above and wish to provide childcare in the state of Minnesota you need to be licensed. Licensing involves working with your county Family Childcare Licensor to complete the licensing requirements as specified by MN Stature and/or MN Administrative Rule and administer through the Department of Human Services (DHS)
Application processing time?
The process for licensing does take some time before an application is ready for approval. Most applications in Houston County are processed within 60 days or less depending on the applicant response time. Applicants have up to one year from the submission of their application to submit the requirements before the application is void. Applicants cannot be licensed or start childcare (other than exclusions listed above) until all requirements are met and approval is received from DHS.
Requirements?
Requirements for Family Childcare Licensing are found with MN Statute Chapter 245A-Human Services Licensing-Family Childcare section only and MN Administrative Rule 9502.0300-9502.0445. Both are online at https://www.revisor.mn.gov/pubs/ or you can request a copy from your county Family Childcare Licensor.
Initial Steps?
- Applicant reviews requirements and determines if they wish to become a licensed childcare provider.
- Applicant contacts the family child care licensor with their decision and initial questions
- FCC licensor sends to applicant:
- Minnesota DHS Orientation
- Application
- Licensing Requirements Form
Forms can also be found at https://mn.gov/dhs/partners-and-providers/licensing/child-care-and-early-education/family/ in the forms section
- Background Study Data Collection Form
- Physician’s Report
- Training Requirements for Licensed Family Child Care
- Request for 1 year application fee $50 (non-refundable)
- Applicant returns application, licensing requirements form, background study data collection form, physician’s report, and application fee to county FCC Licensor for Houston County- Megan Engevold via email Lauren.Solum@co.houston.mn.us or mail.
- FCC Licensor contacts applicant for orientation
Instructions for completing initial forms
Application Fee- $50.00
- This is a non-refundable application fee for one year of licensing
- We accept check, money order, or cash
- Make payment to Houston County Treasurer and include with your returning paperwork
Family Child Care Licensing Application
- Complete and return the application.
- Include full first, middle and last name of all persons on application. Listing of all children and adults living and/or working in the home and their birth dates.
- Include your home phone/cell phone
- Check license class and complete hours of operation.
Licensing Requirements Form-
- Complete as many sections check boxes as possible at this time
- Leave items not completed or you have further questions on blank
- This form will not be complete however we will complete it together in the process
Background Study Data Collection Form-
- Complete and return the data collection form for each person residing or working in the home ages 13 and up
Physician’s Report-
- Have Physician complete the report based on a current examination for applicant and caregiver(s)
- Appointment must have occurred within the past year to be considered current
Training Requirements for Licensed Family Child Care-
- Training does not need to be completed prior to submitting your application and accompanying documents to the FCC licensor.
- Initial training is required to be completed prior to licensure
- Trainings can be found at: https://app.developtoolmn.org/v7/trainings/search
Orientation
The FCC Licensor for Houston County will review the returned documents and contact the applicant to arrange a time for orientation. Orientation typically runs about 1-2 hours depending on how many questions the applicant may have. Orientation is conducted at the applicant’s childcare location and includes an initial walk-through of the site.
During the orientation the following items are reviewed:
- Triggers for need of Fire Marshal inspection of childcare location, paperwork and $50 fee-if applicable
- Pre-licensing training requirement checklist for applicant, caregiver, helper
- Background Study Process-required for all family members living in home over 13 years old and all caregivers.
- Well water annual test-if applicable
- Required provider policies
- Required provider admission and ongoing forms
- References
Next Steps?
During the next phase, the majority of the items listed below are happening simultaneously:
Fire Marshal Inspection-if applicable
- Applicant submits payment for inspection
- FCC Licensor submits payment and request for Fire Marshal inspection
- Fire Marshal sets appointment with application for inspection
- FCC Licensor reviews results from inspection and discusses with applicant
- Applicant fixes Fire Marshal requests
Background study-
- FCC licensor initiates background study for applicant, caregivers, adult family members and children in the home 13 years or older.
- Applicant, caregivers, adult family members in home and children in the home 13 years or older complete online background study and pay fee $49 per adult.
- FCC Licensor reviews results of background checks and sends paperwork to all adults in the study for fingerprinting.
- Applicants are fingerprinted at a local facility within 10 days and pay finger printing fee of $9.10 per adult
- Background checks are good for 5 years
Training-
- Applicant, caregiver, and helper complete initial training requirements and return certifications to FCC Licensor
Forms/Documents-
- Applicant completes required paperwork and has ready for start date
Final Steps?
FCC licensor receives all required paperwork and reviews
FCC licensor sets a date with applicant for a final application site review and discussion. This review is conducted at the applicant’s site and typically will take 1 hour.
During the final application site review the FCC Licensor will discuss:
- Ongoing training requirements
- Reporting-injury, abuse
- Off year visit
- Renewal notification/process
- Correction orders/Fix IT tickets
- Variance requests
- Website/DHS notification email list/ Provider Look-up/ Houston County Provider list
- Houston County FCC Association
After the site review and required paperwork submission, the FCC Licensor for Houston County will submit her recommendation for FCC Licensing to DHS with a copy for the provider. Upon approval, the provider can open their facility and the initial license is good for 1 year from the beginning of the month licensed. The actual hard copy license will be received from DHS by mail to be posted by the provider.
Questions?
Contact your Houston County FCC Licensor Lauren Solum at 507-725-5811 ext 1341
Public Health and Human Services are available by appointment only…please call ahead to schedule an appointment.
Public Health 507-725-5810
Human Services 507-725-5811
Houston County Human Services Mission Statement for Social Services
Houston County Social Services shall protect, support, and educate individuals, families and communities with respect and dignity in order to promote and
strengthen the health, well-being and quality of life for its residents.
Services and Responsibilities
Social Services is divided into two units, children and adults
The Adult Unit is responsible for providing services and case management to people in the following program categories:
- Children and Adults with Development Disabilities Case Management
- Developmental Disabilities Waiver
- Community Alternative for Disabled Individuals Waiver
- Community Alternative Care Waiver
- Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver
- Semi-Independent Living Services
- Family Support Program
- Day Training and Habilitation Services
- Respite Care
- Vulnerable Adults In Need Of Protection Assessments and On-Going Protection Case Management Services
- Court Ordered Guardianship and Conservatorships
- Adult Foster Care
- Adult Mental Health Services
- Consolidated Chemical Dependency Treatment Fund Adolescent and Treatment Referrals
- Rule 24 Financial Eligibility Determination for the CCDTF
- Pre-Commitment Screenings, Referrals, and On-Going Case Management Services
- Consumer Support Grant
The Child/Family Unit is responsible for providing services and case management to persons and families in the following program categories:
- Child Protection Investigations and On-Going Protection Services
- Family Assessment Response and On-Going Services
- Family Group Decision Making Services/Prevention and Reunification
- Parenting Support Outreach Assessment and Services
- Child/Family Welfare Services
- Children In Need of Protection or Services (CHIPS) Court Proceedings
- Out-of-Home Placements of Children
- Children’s Mental Health Services
- Minor Parents
- Adoptions
- Licensing and re-licensing of Child Day Care Homes
- Licensing and re-licensing of Child Foster Care Homes
- Parent Training and Education Programs
- Community Education and Prevention
- Information & Referral
Bethany Moen
Social Services Supervisor
P: 507-725-5811
F: 507-725-3990
Public Health and Human Services are available by appointment only…please call ahead to schedule an appointment.
Public Health 507-725-5810
Human Services 507-725-5811
Houston County Human Services Mission Statement for the Fiscal unit
The mission of the Human Services Fiscal Unit is to be accountable for getting
the best value possible from the resources made available to us for the citizens of Houston County.
We achieve this through innovation,continuous improvement and stewardship.
Services and Responsibilities
The Accounting Unit is responsible for all agency accounting functions, fiscal reports, data processing, payroll, yearly budget preparation for Human Services and ordering of agency supplies.
The unit also determines and collects all non-child support fees owed to the Agency for out-of-home placement parental fees for Human Services and Correctional placements, detoxification fees, medical estate recoveries, and public assistance over-payments. In addition they provide the accounting, fiscal, reporting, and budget duties for the Houston County Human Services, and provide technical assistance to other departments.
Heidi Harms
Accounting & Collections Supervisor
P: 507-725-5811
F: 507-725-3990
John Pugleasa
DHS Director
.
.
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DHS Office
304 S. Marshall St.
Caledonia, MN 55921
P: 507-725-5811
F: 507-725-3990