Social Services

Cass County Health, Human and Veterans Services, in partnership with the federal government, State Department of Human Services, County and other public, private, and community agencies throughout Minnesota, is an agency directed by law to assist those citizens whose personal or family resources are not adequate to meet their basic human needs. The Department is committed to helping our citizens attain the maximum degree of self-sufficiency within their individual capabilities. The Department will promote the dignity, safety, and rights of the individual, and will assure public accountability and trust through responsible use of available resources.

In Partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Cass County Social Services provides necessary services to Cass County's most vulnerable residents. While collaborating with many others, including other counties, tribes, probation, court systems, sheriff's department and a multitude of service providers we strive to assure that Cass County seniors, those with disabilities, children and families have their basic needs met and are afforded safety as well as opportunity to reach their full potential.

Services We Provide

For questions on any of the services we provide you may call 218-547-1340, 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

To request a Long Term Care Assessment (PDF) call 218-547-1340 and ask for Adult Intake.

To request a Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Assessment (PDF) call 218-547-1340 and ask for Adult Intake.

Let us know how we are doing by taking our short Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Child Protection

To Report suspected child maltreatment call: 218-547-1340 or after hours emergencies call 218-547-1424 or email Intake.

Reports of child maltreatment within the family are screened within 24 hours. Those reports that are about an alleged perpetrator outside the family unit are referred to local law enforcement. Reports that meet the state guidelines for a child protection response are opened for either a Family Assessment or Traditional Investigation depending on the severity of the allegation. Social Workers will determine the child's safety, level of risk, family needs and family strengths. On-going child protection services will be provided if determined necessary.

Learn more about child protection.

Educational Neglect/Truancy

Educational Neglect & Truancy Intake Form

Truancy Intervention Collaborative Response Policy

Child Welfare

Families may request voluntary services for help in the areas of parenting techniques, support, and child development concerns. In addition, children over the age of 12 who are truant and under the jurisdiction of the court via a Truancy CHIPS also receive services in an effort to correct the truancy problem.

Learn more about child welfare.

Children's Mental Health

Children who have a diagnostic assessment with a qualified metal health professional and are diagnosed with a severe emotional disturbance qualify for children's mental health case management services. A social worker can provide support, coordination of therapeutic services, in-home services, and access to parenting resources as needed. In some cases, respite can be provided. The most serious cases may be referred to a mental health center for case management services.

Learn more about children’s mental health.

Minor Parents

A social worker will provide an assessment of a minor parent's needs whenever the county is notified of a birth to a minor. Minors who are receiving public assistance must have an on-going open case with a social worker for monitoring and service provision. Minor parents who are not receiving public assistance can request service as well.

Find more information on adolescent services.

Child Foster Care Licensing

Single adults or couples over the age 21 who are interested in becoming foster parents for children should contact Cass County Health Human and Veterans Services. The County will assess both the physical requirements for the home, and the applicant's ability and willingness to serve as a resource for parents and children involved in the child protection system. A federal background check and training are required.

Get more information on licensed child foster care.

Adult Foster Care Licensing

Single adults or couples over the age 21 who are interested in becoming foster parents for adults should contact Sourcewell at 218-895-4120. The County will assess both the physical requirements for the home, and the applicant's ability and willingness to serve as a resource for parents and children involved in the child protection system. A federal background check and training are required.

Get more information on licensed adult foster care.

Adult Protection

For the general public you may call Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center MAARC 844-880-1574. To report suspected adult maltreatment or call: 218-547-1340 or after hours emergencies call 218-547-1424.

Reports of vulnerable adult maltreatment are screened within 24 hours. If the report nets the criteria of Maltreatment and the person meets the statutory definition of a vulnerable adult, an adult protection investigation will be initiated. Social Workers will determine the vulnerable adults' safety, level of risk, strengths, and on-going needs. Adult protection services will be provided if determined necessary. In some cases, Social Services will involve the court via a Commitment or Guardian/Conservator petition if deemed necessary.

Learn more about adult protection.

Adult Mental Health

An Adult with a serious and persistent mental illness as defined by Minnesota statute qualifies for Adult Mental Health case management services. Case managers can provide support, coordination of therapeutic serves and medication, assistance in accessing transportation, and informant and referral. Additional services can be provided if the person qualifies for a Medical Assistance (MA) Waiver program.

Learn more about adult mental health.

Mental Health Resources

Find additional mental health resources.

Chemical Dependency / Substance Abuse

A person seeking help to overcome addiction may qualify for funding for inpatient or outpatient treatment services. Eligible individuals are those who meet the income guidelines for Medical Assistance (MA) and who have had an approved Chemical Dependency Assessment (also called a Rule 25 Assessment).

Developmental Disabilities

Individuals with a full scale IQ below 70 qualify for case management services from a developmental disabilities social worker. Occasionally individuals with IQ's over 70 may qualify if they have a related condition. Case management services include advocacy, information, referral, and monitoring of services. Additional services can be provided if the person qualifies for a Medical Assistance (MA) Waiver program. Waivered services can include foster care, respite care, employment supports, independent living supports, transportation, environmental modifications or adaptions, equipment and supplies, and some other specialized services as needed.

Learn more about developmental disabilities.

Children's Developmental Disabilities

Individuals with a full scale IQ below 70 qualify for case management services from a developmental disabilities social worker. Occasionally individuals with IQ's over 70 may qualify if they have a related condition. Case management services include advocacy, information, referral, and monitoring of services. Additional services can be provided if the person qualifies for a Medical Assistance (MA) Waiver program.

Learn more about developmental disabilities.

Family Child Care Licensing

The purpose of licensing is to protect the health, safety, and well being of children. The State of Minnesota has rules for those who care for children. Please contact Sourcewell at 218-895-4120 if you are interested in becoming a Licensed Family Child Care Provider.

Find more information on licensing help for child care providers.