Small Town News

Three Counties for Kids program helps families succeed

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There is a program available to Sibley County children and families who are having difficulties with parenting, family changes, discipline or behavior problems, social and emotional issues, and communication.

Three Counties for Kids began in the fall of 1995 to assist children and families to be successful in their home, school and community, using prevention and early intervention services.

Joyce Gallery serves as clinical supervisor of the program, that is offered in Brown, Sibley and Watonwan Counties. It is funded 50% by the County and 50% by the school district. The school district contracts with the counties, Gallery explained. The program is meant to serve "at risk" children and is voluntary.

The program initially received a government innovation grant through Children's Mental Health planning dollars, according to Gallery.

The program provides family facilitators to help locate and obtain services, work with families to accomplish goal, provide six to 12 month services to help children, parents and school staff address educational, social, behavioral and family issues that may be preventing your child from being successful. A variety of activities to provide social skills and opportunities for new experiences are offered year-round.

Nikki Hachfeld is the family facilitator for GFW, while Stacy Rivers is the family facilitator for Sibley East.

From January to June 2009, the two family facilitators in Sibley County served 43 families with 119 children. Sixty-two children served were female, while 57 were male. The majority of the children were not diagnosed with emotional behavior disorders and did not mental health issues.

The majority of children served in Sibley County were under the age of eight and between the ages of 13-16. Most of the families were referred to the program through the school. Most of the cases in Sibley County are open six months or less.

-The Gaylord Hub



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© 2009 Winthrop News Winthrop, Minnesota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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