Minnesota / Human services changes proposed

02/18/2007

Auditors suggest some functions go to state


BY RACHEL E. STASSEN-BERGER
Pioneer Press


The cost and quality of human services in Minnesota — which include child support collection, food stamps and health care — vary widely depending on where you are receiving the services, according to a Legislative Auditor's report released Monday.

The human services system, which costs $8 billion each year, largely relies on counties to carry out state programs. Minnesota is one of just 11 states with a state-funded, county-run system.

That, plus the state Department of Human Services' generally hands-off approach to counties' management and recent budget cuts, means human service results are as diverse as the counties themselves, the report found.

For example, Scott County spent $661 on human services per county resident in 2005 while Mahnomen County spent $3,232 per person.

The report did not recommend creating a centralized system. Joel Alter, of the Office of the Legislator, said state-run systems have their problems as well.

The auditors did suggest the state could take over some complicated or less-often used services, like determining eligibility for long-term care or providing adoption services. They also suggested that some smaller counties, which struggle with providing adequate services, should band together.

The researchers also suggested the state human services agency take on more oversight of county actions and be more available to help county officials wade through complicated systems.

Officials from the counties and the state's Department of Human Services largely accepted the report's findings.

Online: The report is at http://www.auditor.leg.state.mn.us.