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Adult Detention Center

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1. What is the total size of the detention center?

The detention center is a total size of 121,000 square feet.

2. What is the size of a typical cell?

A regular cell is 70 square feet and contains 2 beds. The handicap accessible cells are 110 square feet and have just 1 bed.

3. What is the capacity of the detention center?

Our total capacity is 170 beds but the DOC has set our operating capacity at 153 detainees; this allows for any internal movement needs and for classification adjustments.

4. What was the total cost of the detention center construction?

The construction of the detention center cost $9.9 million.

5. Why are there no bars?

Bars are expensive to construct, maintain and are not conducive to the Direct Supervision Model. Modern building materials make bars an obsolete method of security

6. How are the doors operated?

Doors are operated electronically with emergency key override; each unit has the capability of controlling all of the cell and inside parameter doors from the officers station within that unit; master control can override any or all unit controls at any time. All other doors within the facility are controlled by master control.

7. Why are there so many windows?

Increases line of sight for staff observation and efficiency. MN Department of Corrections standards require natural lighting. Windows from individual cell sleeping areas to the outside are frosted to eliminate communication and obscene gestures between the detainees and the public. This also eliminates the ability for the detainees to track employee movement as they come and go to work.

8. Are all the cells the same?

No, not all cells are the same. Each housing unit has a handicapped accessible cell and a separate “Time Out” cell for locking down unruly detainees for short periods. The 26 cells in the Special Management Area are equipped as high security cells with heavier doors and locks and stainless steel fixtures. The Direct Supervision Model allowed us to utilize fewer high security cells at initial cost savings of over $1.5 million.

9. How many detainees are booked in annually?

In 1999, the last year we were in the old jail, the county booked in a total of 1381 detainees.
In 2000, the first year we were in the new facility, a total of 1670 detainees were booked in. These numbers have steadily increased since that time and we now average just under 3000 bookings a year. This translates to about 8 new bookings per day.

10. How many beds may be used for boarding from other facilities?

Any beds not being used for Goodhue County Detainees can be used to board detainees from other jurisdictions. Although our facility size is placed at 170, our official operating capacity is set at 153 and we strive to stay within that number. In July of 2000 our average daily population was about 45 detainees with ¼ to ½ of those being boarded in from other jurisdictions. In 2001 our average daily population increased to around 112 with about 2/3rds being boarded detainees. We now average between 120 and 130 detainees daily with ½ to ¾ being boarded in. We do a large board trade with the surrounding counties and the southeast corner of the state, with Dakota County housing the biggest number; on average 40 +, but we also house large numbers for Winona, Wabasha, Houston and Dodge Counties and lesser numbers for Mower, Fillmore, Freeborn, Rice, and Waseca Counties. We will however accept boards from any jurisdiction within the state that needs the beds; provided we have the beds available.

11. How much is the per diem charged to other facilities for boarding detainees?

Our normal per diem charge is $60. This charge can fluctuate depending on the current economic climate. We will however enter into “preferred status contracts” with other facilities. Those facilities that can guarantee a minimum number of boarders for a period of time to exceed 30 days can be offered a per diem as low as $50 depending on that number.

Revenues collected for boarding detainees since opening have varied somewhat but have generally exceeded budget predictions.

Revenues by year from January 2001 through December 2008

• 2001 $ 735,562
  
• 2002 $1,166,547
• 2003 $1,506,380
• 2004 $ 841,165
• 2005 $1,173,426
• 2006 $1,022,356
• 2007 $1,224,256
• 2008 $1,017,500
• Total $8,687,192

12. What types of detainees can be placed in the Goodhue County Adult Detention Center?

The detention center can house any and all detainees, except juveniles, that are sentenced, pre-trial, awaiting bail or arraignment as directed by law for felony, gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor offenses. Charges range from traffic offenses to murder.

13. Is the staff safe in this type of detention center?

Absolutely; the “Direct Supervision Model” has been proven to be a safe working environment. In fact it has been proven to be much safer than the traditional linear style jail facility.

14. What weapons, if any, is staff allowed to carry for protection and security?

Chemical spray agents (pepper spray) are issued for use in controlling non-compliant detainees who are demonstrating violent behavior. This chemical agent is used in conjunction with communication techniques and use of force training. No staff are issued chemical until they have been fully trained in how and when it should be used.

15. What kind of training is required of staff?

Initially, staff must complete approximately 200 hours of pre-service training in areas of Direct Supervision-Concepts and Philosophy, interpersonal communications, use of force, first aid, CPR, Minnesota laws, rules and standards governing jails, report writing, recognizing infectious and communicable diseases, recognizing mentally ill persons and suicide prevention. There is an additional shadowing period of between 80 - 100 hours where each new deputy learns the specific duties associated with each assigned area and post. We also have a required minimum of 40 hours of in service training conducted annually for all staff to provide for refreshers and updates.

16. What is the detainee improvement account?

Profits generated from the sale of commissary vending services, phone call commissions and sale of pre-paid phone call cards go into the Detainee Improvement Fund. By law, these funds can only be spent on items and or services that directly benefit the detainees. This account has been the only source of finance for our entire programs and services department, which are quite expensive.

17. What is a booking fee?

A booking fee is a fee that is charged each person that is booked into the facility and will be incarcerated. As established by state law, we charge a $10 fee each time a person is booked on new charges and will be held in the facility immediately following the booking.

18. What are co-pays?

Co-pays are fees that are charged to the detainees for medical, dental, and mental health services and prescribed medication needs; current co-pay fees are:

• Medical / Dental $5 each new occurrence
• Mental Health $5 each new occurrence
• Prescription Medications $1 for each new prescription or refill

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Adult Foster Care

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1. What is adult foster care?

Adult foster care is defined as a home setting in the community for adults who are unable to live independently due to physical, emotional, developmental, or mental health impairments. The home can provide up to 24-hour supervision for 1 to 4 residents (5 if caring for elderly residents). Residents receive meals, support, supervision, and some assistance with personal care and living skills as needed. Adult foster care homes are licensed by the State of Minnesota under Rule 203 and 245A.

2. What types of adult foster care are there?

The following are the types of adult foster care currently available:

• Traditional - The foster care provider lives in the residence and is the primary caregiver to clients in the home.
• Corporate - The foster care home is operated by a corporation with shift staff delivering services to clients.
• Shelter - The foster care home accepts clients on an emergency short-term basis for up to 30 days.

*Please note that there is currently a moratorium on the development of new corporate adult foster care homes in Minnesota.

3. What are the licensing requirements for adult foster care?

The applicant must meet the minimum licensing standards that include:

• The home must be in Goodhue County and meet the fire safety code
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• All household members 13-years old and over must pass a criminal and social service background check
• Provide 3 positive references from non-relatives
• Have bedroom space for each resident
• Complete a home study with the licensor
• Meet annual training requirements

4. What is the application process?

If you have decided to provide traditional Adult Foster Care:

• Complete the licensing application packet
• Contact the licensing worker at 651-385-3232
• DHS makes the final licensing decision
• Fire inspection
• Home study
• Orientation and Vulnerable Adult Act training must be completed
• Recommendation to DHS for licensing

The application process generally takes 4 months to 6 months.

5. How are providers paid?

Traditional providers receive a monthly minimum room and board payment set by the state. A Difficult of Care (DOC) rating may be set based on the required level of care. The payment is usually a combination of the client’s pension, Social Security income, Social Security disability, and Group Residential Housing (GRH) funds. Residents who have the financial resources to pay can negotiate a fee with the provider.

Corporate providers must first respond to a request for a proposal and go through the county selection process. If selected, a representative of the corporation must meet with a county contract manager to negotiate a contract.

6. What kind of clients will I get?

The licensing worker cannot guarantee that you will get clients or how many you will get. You must market your home and be flexible in the type of clients you are willing to service. You decide what type of clients you take. Clients requiring these services may have mental health, physical, developmental issues, or be elderly.

7. What is the role of the licensor?

The licensor ensures the following:

• That all aspects of stated and county licensing mandates and policies are followed
• That providers are kept apprised of changes in licensing mandates and policies
• That providers encourage attendance at training
• That providers support the provider’s role of providing a safe and supportive environment
• That the home is physically and emotionally safe for the clients

8. What types of supports are available to adult foster care providers?

• Many residents have a case manager who assists with the implementation of a specific care plan
• Providers are eligible for free Foster Care Liability Insurance offered by the State of Minnesota through the Minnesota Joint Underwriters Association
• Training opportunities

9. What are the training requirements for foster care providers?

• Each adult foster care provider is expected to attend 12 hours of training in each of the first 5 years of operation.
• Foster Care providers licensed over 5 years are required to attend at least 6 hours of training a year.

10. Am I responsible for residents’ medical bills?

No. The foster care rate covers room and board, 3 nutritious meals and snacks daily, and supervision. Medical and dental costs are covered through medical assistance or other insurance of the resident.

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Child Care

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1. Do I need to be licensed?

Minnesota Statutes 245A clearly defines who must be licensed as anyone who is providing care to children, unless:

• The children are related to the day care provider
• The children are from one family
• The care is for less than 30 days in any 12-month period

Unless you meet one of these exclusions, you must be licensed in order to provide child care. Operating a child care without a license and outside of the exclusions is a misdemeanor under Minnesota States 245A.03, subdivision 3.

2. How long does it take to get licensed?

This depends on a number of factors. One of them is how quickly you return the completed forms and any information requested by the licensor. If you need a fire marshal inspection, it will take longer to finish the licensing process. Also, conducting the background study may take additional time if you have lived out of state.

3. What is unlicensed care?

Under “Legal Unlicensed Care” limits, a provider is allowed to care for children related to them and children from 1 unrelated family. "Related" means any of the following relationships by marriage, blood, adoption: parent, grandparent, brother, sister, stepparent, stepsister, stepbrother, uncle, aunt, child, niece, nephew.  Related also includes a legally appointed guardian.  A legal unlicensed provider who wishes to care for children receiving county assistance must “register” with Goodhue County Income Maintenance. Interested persons may call 651-385-3200 or Email.

4. How do I make a complaint on a child care home?

Call Goodhue County Social Services at 651-385-3200 and ask to speak to the child care licensor. The licensor will determine if the complaint is a licensing violation.

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Child Support

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1. When is it necessary to establish parentage?

If a mother is not married at the time of the child’s birth, her child does not have a legal father. Establishing parentage is necessary to give her child a legal father.

2. Why establish parentage?

Establishing parentage gives a child a legal father. Children with legal fathers may have rights to benefits through their fathers, including the following:

• Health care coverage
• Inheritance rights
• Social security benefits
• Tribal registration benefits
• Veteran’s benefits
• Workers’ compensation benefits

Children may also benefit by knowing their biological, cultural, and medical histories.

3. Your child’s legal parentage must be established before the court will issue an order for support. How is parentage established?

Parentage can be established in the following 2 ways:

• Recognition of Parentage (ROP) - If the parents agree, and the mother is not married to the biological father, they can voluntarily sign a form called the Minnesota Recognition of Parentage (DHS-3159). Signing the form and filing it with the Minnesota Department of Vital Statistics legally establishes the father and child relationship. If the parents are not sure that the man is the biological father of the child, they can have genetic testing done. Genetic testing can determine if a man is a child’s biological father.
  
• Court Order - A court can determine parentage. Before determining parentage, a court order may require genetic testing. Both the mother and the alleged father may have to testify at the court hearing.

4. When is it necessary to establish child support orders?

All parents, whether or not they are married, are responsible for the support of their children. This support may include child support, medical support, and/or child-care support. Support orders make obligors legally responsible to pay support for their children.

5. How is a support order established?

A court issues a support order that states the amount of support an obligor must pay. The court enters the order into its records. The order may be part of a separation, divorce, establishment, or paternity action. The support an obligor is ordered to pay is often a monthly amount.

6. How can I change my support order?

Support orders can be changed in 2 ways:

• Cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) - Most Minnesota support orders require a cost-of-living adjustment every 2 years based on the consumer price index. The county child support agency will process the cost-of-living adjustment on May 1 of the appropriate year. If you are the obligor and disagree with the cost-of-living adjustment, you have the right to request a hearing before May 1 of the appropriate year. You will receive a notice explaining the procedure.


• Court-ordered modifications - Either parent may request, in writing, that the child-support agency review their support order for modification. The written request should state the reasons for the review. The county child support staff will determine whether the existing order meets the standards for review. If it does, they will complete the review and file a motion asking the court to modify the order. If the case does not meet the standards, the county child support agency will notify the parent who requested the review. If the parent still wants the order changed, the parent can file a motion asking the court to modify the order.

7. How can I go about locating the other parent?

To establish, modify, or enforce a support order, the child support agency must have a current address or employment information for the other parent. If the location of a parent is not known, the child support agency uses many tools to locate the address and employer of the other parent.

Social security numbers help the child support agency locate addresses and employment information. Social security numbers are shown on tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements. Providing this useful information helps the child support agency carry out its duties more efficiently.

8. What is income withholding?

Most support obligations are collected through income withholding from wages. Once the child support agency identifies the obligor’s employer or payor of funds, they send a notice to withhold support. Employers have 14 days to process an order or notice to withhold. Employers must begin withholding no later than the 1st pay period following this 14-day time period. Employers must continue withholding until the child support agency notifies them in writing of any changes to the order.

The child support agency makes collecting current support a priority. The child support agency also collects past-due support. Past-due support has an interest rate at 2% above the statutory judgment rate. Judgments for fees and spousal support have an interest rate at the statutory judgment rate and are not subject to the 2% additional interest rate.

9. What happens to support collected on my case if I receive public assistance?

If you or your children receive Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) benefits, you will receive any current child support collected in the month that it is due. The state will keep support paid on arrears to reimburse MFIP issued to you and your children.

If you or your children receive DWP, MinnesotaCare, MA, or Child Care Assistance, you will receive the current child support collected in the month that it is due, but you will not receive the medical and/or child care support collected for that month.

10. How do I receive the support collected?

The child support agency collects the support from the obligor. In most cases, the child support agency sends the support collected and owed to the obligee within 2 days. Funds collected through certain tax intercepts may be held for up to 6 months to make sure the refund was properly intercepted. Once you apply for services, all support payments must come through the state. If you receive a support payment from the obligor, you must tell your child support worker. You may be asked to send the payment to the Child Support Payment Center so that it can be disbursed according to federal guidelines.

For up to the minute case and payment information, you can visit the Minnesota Child Support resource. You can also call the Child Support Payment Line at the following numbers:

• Ph: 651-215-5629 in the Twin Cities metro area.
• Ph: 651-215-5630 in the Twin Cities metro area
  
• Ph: 800-657-3512 outside the Twin Cities metro area
  
• Ph: 888-234-1208 (TTY/TDD) outside the Twin Cities metro area
  

To get information, you must know your personal identification number (PIN) that the child support agency will assign to you.

11. What are my direct deposit choices?

To increase the efficiency, convenience, speed, and safety of payments to you, the state sends support by direct deposit. Through direct deposit, you may choose to have your support payments electronically deposited into a checking account, savings account, or stored value card account. After your support case is open, the child support office will send you more information on how to set up direct deposit.

12. How are payments applied to my case?

Federal and state regulations govern how payments are applied. The child support agency applies payments according to these rules. Most payments collected pay current support first.

If an obligor owes support to more than one family, the child support agency divides payments among the families. After current support is paid for the month it is due, other payments received that month pay past-due support.

Funds collected from federal tax refunds pay past-due support or debts. These funds may be applied to past due amounts or debts owed to the state. If the state keeps any funds, the child support agency will send you a Notice of Collection of Child Support.

13. How do I receive child support?

A paternity test needs to be done to determine who the father is.

14. How does the child support agency collect arrears?

The child support agency may take certain enforcement actions to collect support. Enforcement actions include:

• Credit bureau reporting
• Driver’s license
• Federal and state tax refund intercepts
• Financial institution data match
• License suspension
• Lottery winnings intercept
• Occupational license
• Passport denial
• Recreational license
• Student grant holds

The child support agency has the right to decide what action to take on your case and to decide which county is best able to provide services to you. If all other enforcement actions have been unsuccessful, the county may ask the court to find the obligor in constructive civil contempt.

15. What is the attorney / applicant relationship?

Applying for support services does not create an attorney / client relationship between you and the child support attorney. The child support attorney represents the child support agency. You have the right to your own attorney and may hire one at any time. You may also decide to represent yourself.

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Contract Policing Communities

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1. What is contract policing?

When a city chooses to contract for police services with the Sheriff’s Office, it hires the Sheriff to enhance the basic services already provided by the county. Essentially, the city contracts the Sheriff to become the local police department and provide a quality level of police service.

2. What are the Sheriff’s responsibilities?

By statute, the Sheriff is responsible to “keep the peace,” “pursue and apprehend felons,” “be officers of the court,” “patrol water ways,” “death investigation,” “search for missing or lost persons,” and is the “keeper of the jail.”

Additionally, the County Board has authorized the Sheriff to operate a 911 dispatch center, maintain an adult detention center (jail), operate a uniformed road patrol division, civil/bailiff/transport division, and a water / ATV / snowmobile division to meet the basic statutory requirements of responding to emergencies and investigating major crimes. The Sheriff’s Office also provides canine units, a Tactical (SWAT) Team, school resource officers, and an investigation division to aid us in meeting the public safety concerns of the citizens of Pine Island and all of Goodhue County.

3. What are the responsibilities of the city?

A city has the responsibility to manage policing issues in their community and the responsibility to furnish police services to handle their calls. In order to meet this responsibility, cities have the statutory authority to create their own police department, join a joint powers police department, or contract for police services from the Sheriff’s Office.

4. Why contract for policing?

Contract policing allows the city to partner with the county and leverage resources together to share and reduce costs for supervision, administration, training, clerical support, vehicles and equipment. Contracting also facilitates greater communication and coordination creating an efficient, effective and affordable model of policing for your community.

5. Who determines the level of policing?

Community leaders identify the level of police service they would like to provide their community. Typically this includes preventive patrol, traffic enforcement, local ordinance enforcement, home / business checks, investigation of crimes, animal and public nuisance complaints, community event coordination, and crime prevention. School resource deputies are also provided to the City of Pine Island. This position is contracted and paid for in part by the Pine Island School District, along with the Sheriff’s Office.

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Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

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1. How big of a problem is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)?

FAS is the leading cause of mental retardation in the United States and in Minnesota. It occurs 3 times more often than Down Syndrome and it is totally preventable. Minnesota has a high rate of drinking among girls and young women. This is a concern because women who start drinking early or drink expensively may be unable to quit when they become pregnant. Minnesota is 4th in the nation for high rates of women of childbearing age drinking alcohol.

2. How much alcohol is safe for a pregnant woman to drink?

No level of alcohol during pregnancy can be considered safe. Since there is no research indicating a safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, the U.S. Surgeon General has recommended no alcohol during pregnancy. It is the safest choice.

3. If a woman is drinking during pregnancy, should she quit?

Yes. When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, the alcohol deprives the baby of energy sources and materials needed for growth. Any woman who has been drinking during her pregnancy should quit drinking. The sooner she is able to quit drinking, the better it will be for both her and her baby. Partners of pregnant women can help by discouraging alcoholic use.

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Full Child Support (IV-D)

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1. Who can apply for support and collections services?

You can apply for support and collections services if you are:

• The parent or alleged father of a minor child
• A minor child lives in your household and
• At least one parent of the child lives away from the home

2. How do I apply for support and collections services?

Complete the application and return it to the county child support agency with a $25 application fee payable to the Minnesota Child Support Payment Center (CSPC). The application fee is nonrefundable.

• If you are applying for children who have different fathers or mothers, complete an application for each parent who lives away from the home and pay only one application fee of $25.
• If you are not sure who the father of your child is, complete an application for each possible father and pay only one application fee of $25.
• If you are not the parent of the child(ren) for whom you are applying for services, complete an application for each parent and pay only one application fee of $25.
• If you are a non-custodial parent or alleged father, complete an application and pay only one application fee of $25.

3. Do I have to pay the application fee?

Most people who apply for full child support enforcement services must pay a $25 nonrefundable application fee. However, you do not have to pay the application fee if:

• You received public assistance and you are requesting continued services
• You are a minor caretaker
• You are enrolled in a public secondary school, area learning center, or approved alternative learning center
• You had a support case in Minnesota that was closed fewer than 3 months ago
• You currently have an open child support case in which you are the applicant

4. How do I apply for child support services if I get public assistance?

If you get public assistance, your county financial worker will automatically refer your case for child support services. When you receive Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Medical Assistance (MA), MinnesotaCare, Diversionary Work Program (DWP), Tribal TANF, Title IV-E Foster Care, or Child Care Assistance, and a parent lives away from your home; the county child support agency will provide full child support enforcement services.

5. What do child support services include?

Full child support services include:

• Adjusting support orders based on the cost-of-living index
• Enforcing child support orders
• Establishing court orders for child, medical, and child care support
• Establishing parentage
• Locating parents
• Processing income withholding and other payments received by the Child Support Payment Center (CSPC) for child support and spousal maintenance
• Reviewing and asking the court to modify child, medical, and child care support orders when appropriate
• Working with other states to enforce child support orders

6. What services are not provided?

Full child support services do not include:

• Collection of attorneys fees, except in limited circumstances (Minn. Stat. § 518.14, subd. 2)
• Collection of bills not related to support
• Collection of legal advice or counsel
• Collection of property settlements
• Divorce assistance
• Parenting time or custody issues
• Spousal maintenance collection unless child support is also being collected on the same case
• Spousal maintenance order establishment or modification

If you need any of these services, contact an attorney or legal services office.