Many social service programs are provided by government. In most cases, federal, state and local funds are administered through county agencies. The following programs — many mandated, some locally initiated — are offered by Carver County Social Services, a department of the County of Carver. Many are available only to people who meet income criteria, but others are available on a sliding fee scale, while still others are available to any county resident. The programs are separated into four categories: Social Services; Mental Health Services; Financial Assistance; and Employment/Training.
Web site www.co.carver.mn.us

I. Social Services 952-361-1600

Teen Parents
Serves pregnant teenagers and their families.
Transportation
Arranges necessary transportation for the elderly, handicapped and others through county CART bus service and individual volunteer drivers. Call 952-466-5250 to arrange transportation.
Encore: Carver County Adult Day Services
Located in Waconia, it provides adult day services for older adults who need daily support. Call 952-442-7660 for more information.
Family-Based, In-Home Services
Includes intense family therapy provided in the family’s home to prevent the out-of-home placement of one or more children, as well as teaching parenting techniques, budgeting or other skills.
Long-Term Care Consultations
Does assessments to determine long-term care needs. Recommends home and community based services and discusses nursing facility placement if needed. Can arrange to provide home care services for eligible persons. To learn more and make a referral for a LTCC assessment, call 952-442-7671.
Central Intake
Provides information about, and makes referrals to, services. Determines what services are needed.
Adult Protection Services
Provides adult protection assessments and evaluates need for services. Facilitates civil commitment for persons who are mentally ill or chemically dependent and at risk of serious harm.
Children’s Services
Protects abused or neglected children. Helps strengthen families so they can stay together.
Chemical Dependency
Provides assessment, information and referral to needed services and funding for eligible persons.
Developmental Disabilities
Provides case management to persons with developmental disabilities and assists in gaining access to services and funding.
Licensing
Provides training and licensing for foster parents and day care providers.
Adoption
Does home studies for children with special needs.

II. Mental Health Services

First Street Center
540 E. 1st St., Waconia 952-442-4437
Emergency after hours 651-291-4680
First Street Center, Carver County Mental Health Program, provides individual, couples, family, and group counseling/psychotherapy, psychological testing, and psychiatric evaluation and medication management. The Community Support Program serves individuals with serious and persistent mental illness through case management, housing support, social and recreational activities, and related supportive services.
Carver-Scott Mental Health Crisis Program
24-hour phone 952-442-7601
Mobile and telephone, in-person intervention, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

III. Financial Assistance 952-361-1600

Emergency Assistance
Emergency help to adults and families.
MFIP - General Assistance
Gives temporary help to adults and families with children in need of food, clothing and shelter.
Food Support
Provides funding to help buy food.
Medical Assistance
Helps adults and families with children who do not have money for medical care.
Minnesota Supplemental Aid
Gives financial aid to the aged, blind or disabled.
Child Support
Helps single parents collect support from their child’s non-custodial parent.
County Funeral
Provides burial expenses for the poor.
Fraud
Prevents people from obtaining assistance for which they are not eligible.

IV. Employment & Training 952-361-1711

Job Training
Offers training and job placement for adults and youth.
Summer Youth Program
Arranges summer jobs for youths, ages 14 to 21.
Senior Employment
Arranges part-time jobs for people over age 55.
Dislocated Workers
This program offers job opportunities for people who have been laid-off from their employment.
MFIP
This provides training and job placement for families receiving MFIP.
Child Care
Offers help in paying for child care.