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Social Services
Department overview
Social Services provides community-supported social services and financial assistance for eligible people to promote their dignity and independence.
Important information
• Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center: 1-844-880-1574.
• Guardian Services' after-hours line (4:30 p.m.-8 a.m. the following business day): 507-384-6499.
• To report suspected child abuse, email Rice County Child Protection at [email protected] or fax 507-332-6090. To make a verbal report, call 507-332-6115. After hours, call 800-422-1286.
• Rice County Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect Form
• Minnesota Department of Human Services Child Protection information
• For more on financial assistance programs including health care, food assistance, MFIP, cash and childcare:(507-332-5995 or email [email protected].
• For information about programs including licensing, developmental disabilities, child and adult protection, mental health and long-term care assessments (MnChoices), call 507-332-6115 or email [email protected].
• Providers should email billing statements to [email protected].
• Comment through Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, on Rice County's draft Administration of the Child Care Assistance Program, 2024-25 County and Tribal Child Care Fund Plan.
Counties and tribes must submit a biennial Child Care Fund Plan to the Department of Human Services commissioner. Child Care Assistance Program rules and laws allow counties and tribes to establish some local policies and procedures. These local policies and procedures, when included in this plan and approved by the commissioner, are considered county/tribal policy and are used to support agency decisions during appeals. DHS will review and approve county and tribal Child Care Fund Plans. Counties and tribes will receive approval letters for their Child Care Fund Plans from the commissioner of DHS. The plan period begins on Jan. 1, 2024.
To comment, email Financial Assistance Supervisor Jerry Paschke at [email protected]. Please include "CCAP comment" in the subject line. Comments may also be dropped off or sent via USPS to Paschke c/o Rice County Social Services, Rice County Government Services Building, 320 Third St. NW, Faribault MN 55021.
- Who is eligible for help with medical bills?
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People who fit any of these criteria may be able to receive federal assistance with medical bills if they can't pay them. People who: - Are under age 21 - Are over age 65 - Blind - Disabled (mentally or physically) - If you get AFDC you will also get MA - Pregnant - Some parents or caretakers of a child under age 19 - If you get AFDC you will also get MA
For more information you can contact us at 507-332-6115. - What help is available if our family has an emergency like a house fire?
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Emergency Assistance is available for short term help in a crisis for people that have children in the home under the age of 21. If your family is already receiving General Assistance, in an emergency, Emergency General Assistance funds may be available also. Contact Rice County Social Services at 507-332-6115.
- How do I report welfare fraud?
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To report welfare fraud call 1-800-627-9977 or 507-332-6115 and ask to speak to a fraud investigator.
- Where do I go to find out how to set up child support for my child?
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Start by contacting the child support unit of Rice County Social Services at 507-332-6115. Information is also available at
- How do I report child maltreatment (abuse or neglect)?
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Dial 911 if a child is in serious and immediate danger. If the child is not in immediate danger, call 507-332-6115, Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and tell the receptionist that you need to make a child protection report.
Call 1-800-422-1286 evenings, weekends and holidays and state that you need to make a child protection report. - How do I report maltreatment of a vulnerable adult?
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Dial 911 if a vulnerable adult is in serious and immediate danger. If the adult is not in immediate danger, call the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center at 844-880-1574.
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Rick Gieseke
Deputy Administrator-Community Services
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Social Services
Physical Address
Rice County Government Services Building
320 Third St. NW
Faribault, MN 55021
Phone: 507-332-6115Fax: 507-332-6247
Northfield: 507-645-4723
Lonsdale: 507-744-5185
Toll Free: 888-200-4807
24-hour crisis line: 800-422-1286Northfield office
Northfield Community Resource Center
1651 Jefferson Parkway, #110, Door 17, Northfield
Hours by appointment onlyEmail the Financial Assistance office