Tools for Families

The following community agencies are partners with SoWashCo Schools and are also also available to youth and families through several of our schools.

• Youth Service Bureau:  provides chemical health support in our middle and high schools as well as a therapist at South Washington Alternative High School. Contact at 651-458-5224.
• Ellie Family Services:  provides individual mental health counseling support in most of our schools. Contact 651-313-8080 or online referral.
• LifeStance:  provides mental health counseling services in East Ridge, Woodbury and Park High Schools.
• Washington County Mobile Crisis
  • 651-275-7400
  • crisisresponse@co.washington.mn.us

(This list was updated on 4/16/24; SoWashCo Schools does not sponsor or endorse any of the activities or resources listed below.) 

Washington County Resources 

• Washington County Mental Health Crisis Resources
• Washington County Substance Use Resources
• Minnesota Department of Human Services

988 National Suicide Prevention Hotline

• Call 988 or visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Website.

Do not hesitate to make such a call if you suspect that someone may be a danger to themselves. It could save that person’s life.

Additional Mental Health Resources

• Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health provides education and resources to professionals, families and youth throughout Minnesota.
• National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota provides education, support and advocacy for individuals with mental illness, their families, professionals and the community.
• Survivor Resources provides victim advocacy, education and grief support for families and friends dealing with the death of a loved one

Washington County provides low-cost immunizations for those who qualify. 

Washington County helps connect families to medical care for kids and teens. Information available in additional languages.

Washington County helps connect families to dental care for kids and teens. 

(This list was updated on 4/16/24; SoWashCo Schools does not sponsor or endorse any of the activities or resources listed below.) 

• Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER) provides individual assistance and other resources to help families make decisions about education and other services for their child or young adult with disabilities.
• Fraser Hope Line provides support for children and adults with autism, mental health and special needs. Call 612-446-4673 (612-446-HOPE) or email FraserHopeLine@fraser.org. 
• Minnesota Autism Society provides education, access to services and skill development for individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Disability Hub MN provides information, referral and assistance service for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses to connect to community services. 

(This list was updated on 4/16/24; SoWashCo Schools does not sponsor or endorse any of the activities or resources listed below.) 

Washington County Resources 

• Washington County Food Support (SNAP) Resources
• WIC (Women, Infants and Children) 

Food Bank Resources

• Fare For All  Fare For All is a pop-up grocery store, selling packs of fresh produce and frozen meat at up to 40% off of retail prices. Fare For All is community supported and open to everyone – there are no qualifications to participate. Visit their website for locations and hours.
• Friends In Need Food Shelf  Make an appointment on Mondays between 12-3 p.m. or Tuesdays after 7:30 a.m. by calling 651-458-0730. Visit their website for information.
• Open Cupboard  Multiple programs available where you can pick the how you want to receive food. Visit their website to learn about the programs and find a location.
• Today's Harvest A free market that households are welcome to shop as often as needed. No appointments needed. Visit their website for locations and hours.
• Valley Outreach Food Shelf Services are available free of charge. Visit their website for location, hours and to sign up for food delivery.

(This list was updated on 4/16/24; SoWashCo Schools does not sponsor or endorse any of the activities or resources listed below.) 

Washington County Resources

• Washington County Homeless and Housing Resources
• Washington County Community Development Agency

Other Housing Resources

• Homeline provides free and low-cost legal, organizing, education and advocacy services so that tenants throughout Minnesota can solve their own rental housing problems. 
• Housing Link provides details of housing options in different neighborhoods for families participating in the Section 8 voucher and public housing programs.

(This list was updated on 4/16/24; SoWashCo Schools does not sponsor or endorse any of the activities or resources listed below.) 

 Economic Resources 

• Washington County Cash Program Resources
• Washington County Medical Assistance Resources
• Minnesota Department of Human Services

Child Care Resources

• Minnesota State Hotline for School & Childcare Phone: 651-297-1304.
• Child Care Aware of MN: 651-290-9704
• Parent Aware: 888-291-9811
   

Transportation Resources

• Salvation Army: Bus cards and gas cards
• Transit Assistance Program (TAP): $1 dollar bus fare.
   

Multi-Support Agencies

• The Salvation Army
• United Way 211

School absenteeism occurs when a student does not attend classes regularly.

• Chronic absenteeism: missing 17 days or more in the school year.
• Consistent attendance: missing 17 days or less in the school year.
• Chronic absenteeism is more common among students with economic problems, disabilities, or from racial/ethnic minorities.

• All children aged 7 to 17 must attend school, whether it is public, private, charter, online, or homeschooled.
• If a student has 7 or more unexcused absences, the school may initiate a support process that includes notifying parents, holding meetings, and, if necessary, intervening with Washington County.
• If the student is under 12 years old, it is the responsibility of the parents or legal guardians to ensure that he or she attends school.
• If a student aged 12 or older is absent from school without a valid reason, it is assumed that the student did so by their own choice.

• Difficulties learning and keeping up in class.
• Students who miss more than two weeks of high school are less likely to graduate.
• The county attorney can arrange a meeting to talk with the parents and the student discuss school absences and avoid going to court.

1. Create clear routines and expectations
   • Teach your child that education is important.
   • Establish schedules for waking up, breakfast, and leaving for school.
   • Review the school calendar and plan activities and schedule medical appointments outside of school hours.
2. Maintain communication with the school
   • Meet the teachers, counselors, and staff who keep track of attendance.
   • Justify legitimate absences (illness, medical appointments) using the Parent Portal or by calling the school.
3. Have an environment that encourages school attendance
   • Ensure a quiet place for your student to rest and study.
   • Limit distractions such as video games or cell phones before going to sleep.
   • Encourage your student to participate in sports, clubs, or tutoring.
   • If you notice frequent absences, talk to your student and the school to find solutions.
4. Addressing specific obstacles
   • Transport: Make sure you can get to school on time.
   • Health: Coordinate with medical professionals if your student has frequent health problems.
   • Emotional well-being: Seek support if your students experience anxiety, bullying, or adjustment difficulties.
   • Academic support: The school may offer tutoring or catch-up programs if your student is behind.

Families can report their child's absence online via Campus Parent Portal. You can use the Absence Request tool to submit a request that informs the office in advance when your child is not going to be in school. After the request is processed, Campus creates an attendance record for your student.