Media
Reporter’s Guide to DHS
Overview
The Reporter’s Guide to human services is a list of human services programs and issues. If you have questions about these topics, please get in touch with the media relations staff person listed.
Human services program and issues by topic
Aging issues
The Minnesota Department of Human Services, counties, and Area Agencies on Aging develop resources such as adult foster care, adult protection, caregiver support and in-home services for older Minnesotans and adults with special needs. Human services is among state agencies and others discussing how Minnesota can prepare for a growing aging population.
Scott Peterson
651-431-4936
Budget information
For general agency-wide information on the budget, including statistics and forecasts:
Sarah Berg
651-431-4901
For budget information on a specific topic, contact the staff person designated for that topic.
Deaf and hard of hearing services
DHS helps Minnesotans who are deaf or hard of hearing access services to live independently. Several offices statewide provide direct services, adaptive equipment demonstration labs, information, and referral and distribution of specialized telephone equipment.
Scott Peterson
651-431-4936
Disabilities
DHS plans, develops and evaluates community-based services for people with developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, physical disabilities and chronic medical conditions. Community-based services include home care, residential and work-related services.
Scott Peterson
651-431-4936
Fraud
The Office of the Inspector General oversees fraud prevention and recovery efforts for DHS programs, including health care, cash assistance, child care and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Sarah Berg
651-387-4976
Health care
Two publicly funded health care programs — Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare — serve low-income Minnesotans.
Jen Amundson
651-431-5692
HIV/AIDS
DHS helps people with HIV or AIDS access health care through its insurance, drug reimbursement, dental, nutrition and case management programs.
Scott Peterson
651-431-4936
Homeless youth
Through grants to community social service agencies, DHS provides services, including emergency and transitional housing, for homeless youth.
Scott Peterson
651-431-4936
Licensing
DHS licenses programs for children and vulnerable adults, including child care centers, family child care (via counties), foster care, adoption agencies, and services for people with developmental disabilities, chemical dependency and mental illness. DHS also investigates maltreatment allegations and conducts background studies of staff in these programs.
Sarah Berg
651-387-4976
Medical Assistance (MA)/ Medicaid
Medical Assistance, Minnesota’s Medicaid program, pays for health care for low-income older adults, children and families, pregnant women and people with disabilities.
Jen Amundson
651-431-5692
Mental health
DHS works with counties, mental health providers and others to provide adults and children with an array of mental health services.
Jen Amundson
651-431-5692
MinnesotaCare
MinnesotaCare is a publicly subsidized program that serves people who do not have access to affordable health care coverage. Enrollees pay premiums based on their income and family size.
Jen Amundson
651-431-5692
Nursing homes
DHS provides policy development, program administration and rate setting for nursing facility services for older Minnesotans.
Scott Peterson
651-431-4936
Personal care assistance program
The personal care assistance (PCA) program provides services to people eligible for Medical Assistance who need help with day-to-day activities in their home and community. Personal care assistants are not required to have a state license; however, some agencies that provide PCA services are licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health. PCAs must pass criminal background studies performed by DHS.
Scott Peterson
651-431-4936
Refugee resettlement services
DHS administers services that help refugees make the transition to life in the United States through job search and training, language skills development and financial assistance.
Scott Peterson
651-431-4936
Substance Use Disorder
DHS is designated in statute as the state authority on drug and alcohol abuse. The agency plans and evaluates programs and administers funding.
Jen Amundson
651-431-5692
For accessible formats of this publication or assistance with equal access to human services, write to dhs.info@state.mn.us, call 651-431-2911 or use your preferred relay service.