Parent Support Outreach Project

The Parent Support Outreach Program (PSOP) offers voluntary, supportive, strengths-based, family-driven services to families who are identified to be at risk to prevent child maltreatment from occurring. The Parent Support Outreach Program (PSOP) provides early intervention, outreach and supportive services to families with at least one child under age 10 who are "screened-out" from the child protection system or are otherwise at risk.

The PSOP informational flyer explains more.

One of the key aspects of POP is that participation by families is voluntary. PSOP workers are skilled in family engagement and collaboration techniques. 

Accessing Services

You can request services by completing and submitting the HHS Service Request Form or by calling the Sherburne County Intake Line at 763-765-4000 and choosing option 4.  Professionals can also make referrals through one of these two options.

Risks

Families with risks associated with child abuse and neglect who are responsible for the care of at least one child age 10 or younger are eligible for PSOP services. Risk factors include but are not limited to:

  • Substance abuse
  • Domestic violence
  • Behavioral health concerns for parents and children
  • Past history of abuse or neglect
  • Homelessness

Our Staff

PSOP workers conduct comprehensive assessments to work together with families to make decisions about what services or community-based resources can be accessed to support the families. PSOP can also help:

  • Assist families in building connections with relatives, friends and community members.
  • Support families in their efforts to provide healthy, nurturing homes for their children, free of abuse and neglect.
  • Utilize limited funds in creative ways to best meet families' needs. Counties that offer PSOP receive a grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services to provide services to families in their communities. A portion of the grant is expected to be used to meet families' basic needs.
  • Allow social workers/public health nurses to access a flexible fund to help families meet their needs, for utility and rental assistance, car repairs, clothing and grocery vouchers, school supplies.
  • Provide funds for therapeutic services such as in-home family counseling, in-home parent education, or assistance with outpatient counseling or chemical dependency treatment costs.
  • Help families with additional resources to pay for afterschool programs for children, gym memberships, child care costs and family recreational opportunities, or other services that can enhance child and family well-being.