Monthly news digest from the Department of Human Services
Minnesota Department of Human Services logo [ [link removed] ]
NEWS FROM DHS
*August 2024*
*News from DHS archive [ [link removed] ]*
In this issue:
* Bonuses say thanks to direct support professionals [ #link_4 ]
* New DCYF website is live [ #link_9 ]
* New name for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division [ #link_3 ]
* In social media: TED program renamed MN ACT [ #link_5 ]
* Upcoming webinars on youth behavioral health [ #link_10 ]
* In the news [ #link_6 ]
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Bonuses say thanks to direct support professionals
personal care assistant
More than 200,000 long-term care workers may qualify for bonuses of up to $1,000 from the state of Minnesota.
Direct support professionals are workers who support people with disabilities, aging Minnesotans and children with autism. They are sometimes known as personal care assistants, nursing home workers or other titles. Direct support professionals help people bathe, shower, get in or out of chairs, use the bathroom, eat and perform other daily activities.
With $84 million approved in 2023, the Minnesota Care Force Incentive program recognizes the essential work of direct support professionals. Funds will go to organizations that will pay bonuses to eligible employees in early 2025.
“These payments recognize our direct support workforce and how much we value their work,” said Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “We’re grateful the Legislature and Governor Tim Walz created this fund to help address one of our major workforce challenges.”
Employers may submit applications for the Minnesota Care Force Incentive program between Aug. 15 and Sept. 30. DHS will contact provider organizations that qualify later this year.
Learn more in a department news release [ [link removed] ] and on the Minnesota Care Force Incentive website [ [link removed] ].
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New DCYF website is live
DCYF website now live
The new Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) puts children at the center of state government, creating a permanent state agency and commissioner focused on elevating children and families in policy and budget decisions.
This realigns state government to advance equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families through transformative, partnership-driven policies, programs and practices.
Check out and bookmark the department's recently launched website at dcyf.mn.gov [ [link removed] ]!
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New name for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division
The Minnesota Legislature recently updated the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Act. Two changes took effect Aug. 1.
* The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Act changed to the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Services Act.
* The DHS Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division name changed to the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing State Services Division.
These changes were made to reflect the services and supports the division is already providing to people who are deafblind and the community. The scope of work is not changing.
For services and other information, visit mn.gov/deaf-hard-of-hearing [ [link removed] ].
Watch a video of Division Director Dan Millikin announcing the changes in ASL [ [link removed] ].
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In social media: TED program renamed MN ACT
MN ACT social post
">> Follow DHS on X (formerly Twitter) [ [link removed] ] and Facebook [ [link removed] ] f"or timely updates on DHS news and events.""
">> For announcements of hiring events, job postings, internships and more, follow us on LinkedIn [ [link removed] ] and the "DHS Careers Facebook page [ [link removed] ].""
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Accessible formats
For accessible formats of this publication, write to
[email protected], or call 651-431-2000 or use your preferred relay service.
Upcoming webinars on youth behavioral health
DHS is offering free webinars on effective care to address youth behavioral health needs. Registration is open for the following classes.
Foster parents, parents and caregivers:
* 9/11: Attachment-based trauma-informed care [ [link removed] ]
* 9/13: Managing challenging behaviors [ [link removed] ]
* 9/20: Practical parenting strategies [ [link removed] ]
* 9/27: Connecting with your new (foster) child [ [link removed] ]
School-based providers:
* 9/18: Recommendations for Managing Complex Behaviors in School Settings [ [link removed] ]
* 9/26: Building Resiliency and Self-Care [ [link removed] ]
Hospital staff:
* 9/9: Managing challenging behaviors [ [link removed] ]
* 9/23: Patient engagement [ [link removed] ]
DHS is partnering with the Training Institute at People Incorporated to provide live trainings and offer recorded versions for later viewing. The course content has been revised to incorporate attendee feedback with a focus on post-pandemic behavioral health challenges.
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In the news
newspaper beside a coffee cup
*The Aliveness Project steps in to replace Rainbow Health as a lead HIV support provider:* The Aliveness Project will expand its services as an HIV support provider in an effort to fill the gap caused by the closure of Rainbow Health in Minneapolis. DHS announced it transferred the previous contract responsibilities under Rainbow Health to The Aliveness Project. Learn more in a Bring Me the News article [ [link removed] ].
*Health fair in St. Paul looks to connect Black community with care, resources:* A St. Paul reverend stepped up to help connect his community to get the care they need, as annual eligibility renewals resumed for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees. He partnered with DHS to sponsor a health fair, designed to address the health care crisis in the Black community. Learn more in a recent WCCO story [ [link removed] ].
*MN suicide rate drops, but remains higher in rural areas:* A new report by the Minnesota Department of Health shows last year there were 815 suicide deaths in the state, down from 860 in 2022. Rates remain higher in parts of greater Minnesota than in the Twin Cities metro. Learn more and find resources in a KSTP story [ [link removed] ].
*A Second Chance Offered to Minnesota Moms Who’ve Previously Lost Kids to CPS:* A Hennepin County program reaches out to expectant mothers at a highly sensitive stage of their pregnancies, offering assistance to help avoid another foster care removal in the family. The Prior TPR/TLC Support Program often collaborates with the county’s Project CHILD, which focuses on safe, sober pregnancies for parents 16 and older. Learn more in an article in The Imprint [ [link removed] ].
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