Social Services

Lakes Social Service District Mission Statement


Lakes Social Service District provides services to individuals and families who are vulnerable to meet basic needs and to promote self-sufficiency.

Ramsey County Social Services provides services that are directed by public statute or policy, to vulnerable children, adults and families so that they may secure or maintain self-sufficiency. Primary program areas including economic assistance for low income individuals and families; Family Services for families facing serious problems which could put children at risk; Adult Services for low income elderly and disabled individuals in need of assistance to remain in their own homes. 

Values


  • All people are treated with dignity and respect.
  • High quality service is the goals of all programs.
  • Promote a strong partnership with individual clients.
  • Promote leadership on community wide needs.
  • The agency will strive to be responsible and efficient stewards of all resources.

Overview


Lakes Social Service District (LSSD) is a department of Ramsey and Towner County government that has been designated by law to provide poor relief and related services to the citizens of Ramsey and Towner County. The majority of the services/programs offered by the county are done in conjunction with state and federal agencies, particularly the North Dakota Department of Human Services. Lakes Social Service District provides a wide range of services including both social services and economic assistance programs. Some services are provided directly by county employees and others are provided through contracts.

Administrative Structure


Lakes Social Service District is directly responsible to the Lakes Social Service Board. The Board is accountable to the Ramsey and Towner County Commissions and, where designated, the North Dakota Department of Human Services. The Board consists of 6 members, 4 of whom are County Commissioners and 2 are members at large, 1 from each county. The Lakes Social Service District Board meets monthly. The Board appoints the Director of Social Services.

Personnel


In 2015, the Lakes Social Service District has 29 authorized/budgeted positions.

Personnel include:
  • A Child Care Licensor
  • County Director
  • Eligibility Workers
  • Family Service Specialists
  • Homemakers
  • Social Workers
  • A Variety of Support Staff

Budget


In 2015, the Lakes Social Service District operating budget is over $2.6 million dollars (including approximately $1.8 million in county funds). This budget includes both the county share of funding for services and some state/federal program funds for both Ramsey and Towner County. Lakes Social Service District’s budget does not include all financial benefits paid to/for clients through programs such as Medical Assistance, TANF, Child Care Assistance, LIHEAP, and Food Stamps.

Civil Rights Statement


Lakes Social Service District makes available all services/assistance without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, handicap or political affiliation and is subject to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 as amended and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991.