Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Human Services FAQ
Human Services Web Site
Child Protection
1. How do I make a Child Protection report?
2. What is the after hours phone number for reporting abuse or neglect?
3. I live in Wright County, but my child resides in another county. Where do I report abuse or neglect?
4. At what age can I leave my child home alone?
5. How old can a child be to babysit?
6. How can I get custody or visitation changed?
7. Can I file an Order for Protection (OFP) at Human Services or with Child Protection?
Children's Services
1. I was told my child can/should have a Children’s Mental Health Case Manager to help with services. What is Case Management?
2. The school wants my child in Day Treatment. What is it?
3. The school wants my child in Day Treatment. Why do I have to have the County involved to have my child in Day Treatment?
4. What do you do that is different from my child seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist?
5. What are the possible resources or services you can provide or help me access?
6. Why do I need to use my insurance, MN Care, or Medical Assistance for these services?
Developmental Disabilities
1. How long can my son/daughter remain on the Family Support Grant?
2. What is the difference between in-home and out-of-home respite care?
3. How can a Developmental Disabilities social worker help me or my child?
4. Do I need to have a Social Worker to receive services?
5. How can I go about opening a Developmental Disabilities case for me or my child?
6. How do I access Social Security for my son/daughter?
Intake/Resource/Family Intervention Services
1. How do I apply for Financial Assistance, Medical Assistance, Food Stamps, or Emergency Assistance?
2. How do I apply for a social worker, and how do I know if I qualify for services?
3. I have a mentally ill family member. Can I apply for services for them?
4. How do I make a Vulnerable Adult report?
5. How do I make a Child Protection report?
6. How do I apply for mediation?
7. If I do not have transportation to my doctor's appointment, who can I call for a ride?
8. How do I apply to do day care in my home?
9. How do I apply to do child foster care in my home?
10. How do I apply to do adult foster care in my home?
11. How do I get a Chemical Dependency (CD) assessment?
12. How do I apply for TEFRA?
Licensing - Adult Foster Care
1. What is Adult Foster Care?
2. What are the requirements for Adult Foster Care?
3. What types of support do Adult Foster Care providers receive?
4. What do I have to do to become a licensed provider?
Licensing - Child Foster Care
1. Do I have to live in Wright County?
2. Do I have to live in a house?
3. Do I have to be married?
4. Can I be a single parent?
5. How old do I need to be?
6. Can I work outside of my home?
7. Who pays for the child's medical expenses?
8. Who provides transportation to clients for appointments?
9. Can a foster child share a bedroom with my child?
10. How long do foster children stay in foster homes?
11. Can I adopt a foster child?
12. Will I be paid for taking care of a foster child?
13. Are family foster care payments taxable income?
Licensing - Day Care
1. What do I have to do to become a licensed provider?
2. How long does it take to become licensed?
3. How do I get a list of day care providers for my city?
4. How do I make a complaint regarding a licensed provider?
5. How do I report an illegal un-licensed provider?
6. Am I able to use another product other than bleach and water to disinfect the diapering surface?
Mental Health
1. I have a family member with a chemical dependency issue.
2. I have chemical dependency, and I have a problem with my: a.billing b.placement c.plan d.court for my chemical dependency treatment.
3. I have a mental illness and need help.
4. I have a patient on a 72-hour hold in our hospital.
5. I have a doctor's statement of need for commitment.
6. I have not received my Social Welfare monies.
7. My social worker is out, and I need to talk to someone.
Public Health
1. What is the phone number for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)?
2. Where can I get a list of day care providers in Wright County?
3. Where can I find the Wellness on Wheels (WOW) Van schedule?
4. Where do I find out about home care services?
5. Who do I contact regarding birth control?
6. Who do I call if I think my child (birth - age 2) may have special needs?
7. Who do I call if I have no insurance and need to go to a doctor?
8. Where can I get a free or low cost mammogram or pap screening?
9. What is the Minnesota Child Car Seat Law?
10. Where can I find information on health issues relating to international travel?
11. What immunizations (shots) do children need and when?
12. What immunizations (shots) do adults need and when?
13. I will be traveling outside of the USA. What immunizations do I need?
14. Where can I find information on vaccine safety?
15. Who can answer questions on immunization issues?
16. Where can I get a record of immunizations that were given to me or my child?
17. Where can I purchase a radon test kit?
 
 
Child Protection
 
1. How do I make a Child Protection report?
Call Child Protection Intake at 763-682-7449, or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7449.
 
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2. What is the after hours phone number for reporting abuse or neglect?
612-490-8569.
 
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3. I live in Wright County, but my child resides in another county. Where do I report abuse or neglect?
In the county where the child resides.
 
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4. At what age can I leave my child home alone?
There are no statutes regarding this. Children under the age of 7 should never be left home alone. Children 8 to 9 years old, one to two hours; 10 years old, four to eight hours. It is strongly recommended that you consider the child's maturity, comfort level of being left home alone, and what to do in case of an emergency.
 
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5. How old can a child be to babysit?
At least 11 years old, depending on maturity level.
 
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6. How can I get custody or visitation changed?
You need to talk to an attorney.
 
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7. Can I file an Order for Protection (OFP) at Human Services or with Child Protection?
No. You need to go to Court Administration at the courthouse.
 
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Children's Services
 
1. I was told my child can/should have a Children’s Mental Health Case Manager to help with services. What is Case Management?
A Social Worker will meet with you and your child twice per month. The Social Worker will work with you, your child, the school, and the professional who referred you to access services and resources in the community. An assessment will be completed, with your help, of your child’s functioning at home, school, and the community. The Social Worker will also be working with you to develop a crisis plan and Individual/Family Community Support Plan. These plans will help you know what to do in a crisis and the services and resources your family needs to help your child. Progress will be reviewed every three months. The information you, your child, and others working with you (including school) will be necessary to accurately assess your child’s progress in improving his/her functioning and developing the plans to best meet the needs of your child and family.
 
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2. The school wants my child in Day Treatment. What is it?
Day Treatment is a program that will integrate the educational needs and the therapy needs for your child. Therapy is provided three hours each day, and the school program is provided for three hours as well. Therapies through Day Treatment include individual (child), group (all children in Day Treatment and therapist(s), and family. The Therapist works closely with the school staff. Meetings are held every three months (minimal) to discuss your child’s progress and needs. These meetings will include you, your child, the school staff, the therapist, and the Children’s Mental Health Social Worker.
 
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3. The school wants my child in Day Treatment. Why do I have to have the County involved to have my child in Day Treatment?
County Policy requires that all children involved in a Day Treatment Program must have a Children’s Mental Health Social Worker to work with the therapist and school staff to assist you to access other resources and services. This will help your child return to his/her regular school as soon as is safely possible. Day Treatment is a Collaborative effort between the schools and the county. The therapy is paid by your private insurance, MN Care, Medical Assistance, or the County. Generally, private insurance does not pay the full cost of the therapy required in a Day Treatment Program. Coordination of cost between private insurance, MN Care, and Medical Assistance is the responsibility of the County, with your cooperation.
 
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4. What do you do that is different from my child seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist?
The psychologist and psychiatrist work with the Children’s Mental Health Social Workers. Generally, they have an idea of what kinds of services and resources may be helpful. They are able to provide a diagnosis and in some instances, individual therapy for the child. The psychiatrist is a medical doctor and can also prescribe medications, if that is needed (with your approval). They often do not know who provides the services or resources recommended or how to access them. They generally are not available for crisis situations and do not coordinate with the services or schools. The Children’s Mental Health Social Workers will coordinate the resources, services, and have contact with all providers, including the psychologist and/or psychiatrist to help you meet the needs of your child as well as the entire family.
 
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5. What are the possible resources or services you can provide or help me access?
We access a number of resources within the community and the region. We also directly work with you, your child, and facilitate groups for parents and for children. Some of the possible resources and services include Mentor Programs; Support groups; In-Home Family Therapy; In-Home Family Skills; Respite Care; Direct referral for a psychiatrist (if one is not involved); Summer Camp; Community Center Referrals; assistance to obtain financial resources such as the Medical Assistance option of TEFRA; transportation; help you to bring in more support from your family, friends, neighbors, churches, etc; coordination with school programs; child and adolescent psychiatric hospitals, and crisis resources. We utilize every possible funding stream available including state and federal programs, such as CADI, to increase resources for you and your child. If at any time, your child may need to use shelter care, foster care, group home care, or residential treatment, we would work with you to try to prevent that, if possible. If that cannot be accomplished, we would arrange for the out of home care and keep it as brief as possible.
 
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6. Why do I need to use my insurance, MN Care, or Medical Assistance for these services?
We have a responsibility by law and policy to use funding sources other than the County tax dollars (property tax) to pay for services first. This is also a benefit to you as a Wright County taxpayer.
 
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Developmental Disabilities
 
1. How long can my son/daughter remain on the Family Support Grant?
They can remain on the Family Support Grant up to age 21, as long as they qualify for Developmental Disabilities case management and the family income is below a certain amount.
 
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2. What is the difference between in-home and out-of-home respite care?
In-home respite care is provided by a person of your choice in your home. Out-of-home respite care is provided by a licensed foster care provider in their home.
 
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3. How can a Developmental Disabilities social worker help me or my child?
A Developmental Disabilities Social Worker may be a resource for you. They can inform you about available services, help you access the services, be an advocate, and a support person. They can attend school meetings, assist in accessing financial resources, assist in accessing services to allow you to live and work in the community, and help with many other situations.
 
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4. Do I need to have a Social Worker to receive services?
No. You may access Social Security and Medical Assistance and their services (for example: Personal Care Attendant or PCA) on your own.
 
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5. How can I go about opening a Developmental Disabilities case for me or my child?
Call Social Services Intake at 763-682-7481 or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7481, to schedule an appointment. You must bring the most recent psychological evaluation and any other medical examinations that diagnose your disability or your child's disability. Also, bring all Individual Education Plans (IEP) if the person requesting services is in school.
 
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6. How do I access Social Security for my son/daughter?
Call 1-800-772-1213.
 
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Intake/Resource/Family Intervention Services
 
1. How do I apply for Financial Assistance, Medical Assistance, Food Stamps, or Emergency Assistance?
Call Financial Intake at 763-682-7414, or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7414.
 
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2. How do I apply for a social worker, and how do I know if I qualify for services?
Call Social Services Intake at 763-682-7481, or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7481.
 
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3. I have a mentally ill family member. Can I apply for services for them?
Call Social Services Intake at 763-682-7481, or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7481.
 
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4. How do I make a Vulnerable Adult report?
Call Social Services Intake at 763-682-7481, or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7481.
 
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5. How do I make a Child Protection report?
Call Child Protection Intake at 763-682-7449, or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7449.
 
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6. How do I apply for mediation?
Call Social Services Intake at 763-682-7481, or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7481.
 
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7. If I do not have transportation to my doctor's appointment, who can I call for a ride?
Information is available on our website at Transportation Services. Volunteer transportation information is available on our website at Volunteer Transportation.
 
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8. How do I apply to do day care in my home?
Information on becoming a licensed day care provider is available on our website at Becoming a Provider.
 
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9. How do I apply to do child foster care in my home?
Information on becoming a licensed child foster care provider is available on our website at Becoming a Provider.
 
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10. How do I apply to do adult foster care in my home?
Information on becoming a licensed adult foster care provider is available on our website at Becoming a Provider.
 
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11. How do I get a Chemical Dependency (CD) assessment?
Call Financial Intake at 763-682-7416, or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7416.
 
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12. How do I apply for TEFRA?
Call Financial Intake at 763-682-7416, or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7416.
 
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Licensing - Adult Foster Care
 
1. What is Adult Foster Care?
Adult Foster Care is a licensed setting for adults who are unable to live alone due to physical, emotional, or developmental impairments. The home provides 24 hour care for one to five functionally impaired residents. Residents receive meals, support, supervision, and some assistance with personal cares and living skills as needed. There is a minimum room and board payment made to providers per month which is set by the State. In addition to room and board, a difficulty of care (DOC) rating is often justified. Some residents privately pay for their adult foster care services.
 
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2. What are the requirements for Adult Foster Care?
To become licensed as an Adult Foster Care provider, the applicant must:
* live in the Wright County home listed on the application for licensure
* allow a State Fire Marshal to inspect the home according to the 2007 MN State Fire Code (MSFC), 2007 Minnesota State Building Code (MSBC) and the 2007 International Residential Code (IRC)
* be at least 18 years of age
* pass a criminal background check on all household members and caregivers who are 13 years of age or older
* provide three positive references
* have bedroom space available for resident(s)
* meet with the licensor to complete a home study of the family
* attend orientation
* meet required training hours annually
 
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3. What types of support do Adult Foster Care providers receive?
A minimum room and board payment is made to providers per month which is set by the State. In addition, a difficulty of care rating is often justified. Medical and dental costs are covered through Medical Assistance or other medical insurance, and are not the responsibility of the Adult Foster Care provider. Each resident has a placement case manager, and the Adult Foster Care provider has a licensing social worker to help them with problems and find resources to meet the residents' needs. Adult Foster Care providers participate in on-going training/support groups and may become a part of Local, State, and National Foster Parent Associations.
 
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4. What do I have to do to become a licensed provider?
Information on becoming a licensed adult foster care provider is available on our website at Initial Licensing Paperwork.
 
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Licensing - Child Foster Care
 
1. Do I have to live in Wright County?
Yes. For Wright County to license you as a foster care provider, you must live in Wright County.
 
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2. Do I have to live in a house?
No. Apartments, condominiums, or mobile homes can be options.
 
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3. Do I have to be married?
No.
 
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4. Can I be a single parent?
Yes.
 
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5. How old do I need to be?
To provide child foster care, you must be 21 years of age or older.
 
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6. Can I work outside of my home?
Yes.
 
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7. Who pays for the child's medical expenses?
All medical and dental expenses are provided for the child through the county or private insurance.
 
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8. Who provides transportation to clients for appointments?
The foster parent is expected to provide all needed transportation. Some programs exist to help defray expenses for travel to medical appointments.
 
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9. Can a foster child share a bedroom with my child?
Yes. Bedrooms may be shared, but each child needs their own bed.
 
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10. How long do foster children stay in foster homes?
Foster care varies in length depending on the child and his/her parents' circumstances.
 
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11. Can I adopt a foster child?
There are circumstances in which a foster child could become available for adoption; however, many other factors are considered before this option is considered.
 
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12. Will I be paid for taking care of a foster child?
Foster care providers receive reimbursement based on each child’s needs and the level of care they require.
 
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13. Are family foster care payments taxable income?
Generally, foster care payments are not taxable. However, you may want to check with your tax consultant regarding your individual circumstances.
 
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Licensing - Day Care
 
1. What do I have to do to become a licensed provider?
You must attend an orientation session, get a physical, submit three references, and prepare for a licensing visit by "kiddie proofing" your home and making necessary preparations for emergencies. Background checks must be completed on you, any other person living in the household who is age 13 or older, and alternative care providers. In some cases there must be a fire marshal inspection. To begin the licensing process, call 763-682-7485 or 1-800-362-3667, extension 7485.

Additional information on becoming a licensed day care provider is available on our website at Becoming a Provider.
 
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2. How long does it take to become licensed?
It shouldn't take longer than two to four months.
 
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3. How do I get a list of day care providers for my city?
Go to the Day Care Licensing main web page and click on the Finding a Provider link.
 
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4. How do I make a complaint regarding a licensed provider?
To make a complaint, you can contact the general intake office at Wright County Human Services. The intake social worker will gather relevant information and pass it on to a licensing investigator. Reporters are kept confidential.

Reports can be made by calling 763-682-7481 or via e-mail to michelle.porras @co.wright.mn.us.
 
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5. How do I report an illegal un-licensed provider?
If you suspect that someone is providing illegal child care, please contact the initial day care licensor at 763-682-7485 or via e-mail to dclicensing@co.wright.mn.us.
 
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6. Am I able to use another product other than bleach and water to disinfect the diapering surface?
Yes, with an approved variance.
Variance for Disinfectant
Use of Disinfectants in Day Care Home
 
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Mental Health
 
1. I have a family member with a chemical dependency issue.
Call 763-682-7642, or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7642, and ask for the Adult Mental Health/Chemical Dependency Case Aide to explain chemical dependency eligibility and referral.
 
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2. I have chemical dependency, and I have a problem with my: a.billing b.placement c.plan d.court for my chemical dependency treatment.
If you are working with a chemical dependency assessor, call that number. If billing is a problem, please call the Adult Mental Health/Chemical Dependency Case Aide at 763-682-7642, or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7642, to refer your question or concern.
 
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3. I have a mental illness and need help.
Call Social Services Intake at 763-682-7481, or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7481. For more immediate help, call the Crisis Response Team, a 24-hour service, at 1-800-635-8008.
 
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4. I have a patient on a 72-hour hold in our hospital.
Call Social Services Intake at 763-682-7481, or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7481.
 
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5. I have a doctor's statement of need for commitment.
Call Social Services Intake at 763-682-7481, or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7481.
 
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6. I have not received my Social Welfare monies.
Call your assigned social worker.
 
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7. My social worker is out, and I need to talk to someone.
Call the Adult Mental Health OSS at 763-682-7452, or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7452, to refer your question or concern. You can also call the Crisis Response Team at 1-800-635-8008, or call your provider for mental health therapy or medication.
 
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Public Health
 
1. What is the phone number for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)?
320-963-6500.
 
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2. Where can I get a list of day care providers in Wright County?
Day care provider lists are available on our website at Finding a Provider.
 
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3. Where can I find the Wellness on Wheels (WOW) Van schedule?
The Wellness on Wheels (WOW) Van schedule is available on our website at WOW Van Schedule.
 
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4. Where do I find out about home care services?
Call Public Health Intake at 763-682-7468 or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7468.
 
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5. Who do I contact regarding birth control?
In Wright County, call Wright County Community Action (WCCA) for low-cost family planning services. Fees are based on income. Call 320-963-6500 or e-mail SHenrichs@wccaweb.com. Call the State Family Planning Hotline for other clinics at 1-800-783-2287.
 
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6. Who do I call if I think my child (birth - age 2) may have special needs?
Wright County Early Intervention Services at 1-800-286-6331.
 
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7. Who do I call if I have no insurance and need to go to a doctor?
St. Mary's Clinics are free and will discuss your finances. Call 651-690-7029 to schedule an appointment at one of their many clinics.

Mid Minnesota Family Practice Center in St. Cloud will discuss your finances and is free if you qualify. Call 320-240-3157 or 1-800-575-2982 for an appointment.

Minuteclinic charges lower cost flat rates or can bill some insurances. Call 952-929-1233 for information to their sites. No appointment is necessary.
 
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8. Where can I get a free or low cost mammogram or pap screening?
The SAGE program by the Minnesota Department of Health provides free breast and cervical cancer screening follow-up services to uninsured and underinsured women who meet all three criteria: Age 40 or older with exceptions; have no insurance or are underinsured; income within our guidelines.

For more information, visit the SAGE website at the Minnesota Department of Health at www.mnsage.com, or call 1-888-6-HEALTH (1-888-643-2584) to make an appointment if you are eligible.

Wright County participating clinics include: Allina Medical Clinic/Buffalo (763-682-5225), Buffalo Clinic, P.A. (763-682-1313), Allina Medical Clinic/Cokato (320-286-2123), Ridgeview Howard Lake Clinic (320-543-2591), Monticello Clinic (763-295-2921, ask for Judy), and Allina Medical Clinic/St. Michael (763-744-4000).
 
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9. What is the Minnesota Child Car Seat Law?
All children under age four must be restrained in a proper car seat. The best practice is to restrain all children under 80 pounds in a car seat or booster seat. Additional information can be found on the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety website at http://www.dps.state.mn.us/ots/CPS_Program/childhome.asp.
 
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10. Where can I find information on health issues relating to international travel?
Information is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/travel.
 
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11. What immunizations (shots) do children need and when?
Information is available on the Minnesota Department of Health website at http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/immunize/schedules.html.
 
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12. What immunizations (shots) do adults need and when?
Information is available on the Minnesota Department of Health website at http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/immunize/schedules.html.
 
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13. I will be traveling outside of the USA. What immunizations do I need?
Information is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/vaccinat.htm.
 
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14. Where can I find information on vaccine safety?
Information is available on the following websites:
Minnesota Department of Health - http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/immunize/safety/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - http://www.cdc.gov/od/science/iso/about_iso.htm
Immunization Action Coalition: - http://www.immunize.org/safety/index.htm
 
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15. Who can answer questions on immunization issues?
Call Wright County Public Health at 763-682-7717, or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7717.
 
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16. Where can I get a record of immunizations that were given to me or my child?
Call your medical clinic where the shots were given, or call Wright County Public Health (WCPH) at 763-682-7717, or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7717. WCPH has access to the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC), the statewide registry.
 
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17. Where can I purchase a radon test kit?
Radon test kit information
 
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