In a strategic move to bolster community support for families, Otter Tail County, in collaboration with Health and Human Services Consultant Meghan Mohs and backed by funding from the Sauer Family Foundation, has recently concluded a thorough Community Needs Assessment.
This assessment, conducted in late 2023, aimed to identify avenues for enhancing family well-being and preventing child maltreatment within the county.
The findings of this assessment underscore the pressing need for the establishment of Family Resource Centers (FRCs) across Otter Tail County. FRCs, according to the National Family Support Network, serve as inclusive hubs providing a wide array of support, services, and opportunities tailored to the needs of families.
These centers prioritize strengthening families by focusing on research-based protective factors, including Parental Resilience, Social Connections, Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development, Concrete Support in Times of Need, and Social Emotional Competence of Children.
County Commissioner Bob Lahman, representing District 4 from Parkers Prairie, played a pivotal role in the assessment process.
He expressed optimism about the forthcoming initiatives, stating, “By listening in our communities, we have a better understanding of what families need, and we are looking forward to the next steps.”
The assessment revealed several key findings:
- Parents and caregivers reported feeling stressed, busy, and sometimes isolated, yet they expressed confidence in the community’s support when seeking assistance.
- Children and youth, particularly teenage girls, are grappling with stress and mental health issues. However, they feel safe, loved, and valued within their homes.
- Major stressors for families include parenting challenges, lack of work-life balance, financial hardships, and difficulties accessing support services.
- Service gaps were identified in areas such as behavioral health care, affordable childcare, transportation, and other essential needs.
- Parents expressed a strong desire for support in effective parenting techniques, information on child development, teen-focused activities, opportunities for paternal involvement, and accessible avenues for seeking assistance without fear of stigma.
Looking ahead, Otter Tail County is poised to take concrete steps towards establishing Family Resource Centers. The county will be applying for a development grant through the Sauer Family Foundation. If successful, this grant will provide the necessary support to transition from assessment to the actual development and implementation of FRCs across Otter Tail County.