Services once offered by
Health and Welfare still available
By Ron Beecher,
Regional Director, North Department of Health and Welfare
Budget constraints forced the
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) to close its Orofino office and
eight others in the state last May, but many of the essential services offered
by the agency remain unchanged in
Critical services such as
child welfare, mental health services, and developmental disability services for
young children continue to be delivered by DHW staff working in the Orofino
community.
For others, such as public
assistance programs like Food Stamps and Medicaid, Orofino area residents can
either visit the nearest DHW office or submit an assistance application by mail.
Here is helpful information
about accessing DHW services:
Child Welfare is committed to
the safety and well-being of children in the Orofino community. Child Welfare
staff provides services for child protection, foster care, adoptions, and
independent living for youth transitioning from the foster care system to
adulthood. This group focuses on strengthening families, nurturing children and
helping to address and remedy situations that compromise children’s safety and
well-being. Staff members continue to work with families locally. To report
possible child abuse or neglect or to contact a worker, please call toll-free,
Behavioral Health services
continue in the community to meet the needs in both
The Infant Toddler Program
continues to provide early intervention services to families and their young
children in the families’ homes in the Orofino community. A child may be
eligible for early intervention services with the Infant Toddler program if they
are less than three years of age and experiencing a developmental delay, or if
they have a medical or other condition that may lead to a developmental delay.
Free developmental screenings for children are offered monthly at
Resource and Services
Navigation continues helping families cope with situations in which they may
need a temporary helping hand. A navigator helps families who may be dealing
with job loss, serious illness, or other serious challenges.
Navigators work with other
community partners to find local resources to help families get back on their
feet and become self-reliant once again. Program services include information
and referral to community resources, short-term case management services, and
limited financial assistance for urgent situations or for career enhancement.
Navigation is a voluntary program open to anyone regardless of social/economic
background or family status. To contact a worker, call
As mentioned earlier,
applying for public assistance services must be done either at the nearest DHW
office or by mail. This would include assistance for food, medical care, child
care or cash assistance. Applications and information is available on the
Internet at www.welfareassistance.dhw.idaho.gov,
or by calling the Idaho CareLine at
Although the DHW office is closed, DHW staff maintains a strong presence in the Orofino community and continues to provide critical services. No one wanted to see offices close, but DHW appreciates the community’s support during these tough times when difficult decisions had to be made.