NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners learned Tuesday that when a child is referred to Brown County Human Services from a parent struggling with their teenager’s behavior, the family facilitator program works with the entire family.

Brown County family facilitators help children and families to be successful in their home, school and community with prevention and early intervention services. They work closely with school staff, therapists and psychiatrists.

The free, voluntary program helps children and families with difficulties in parenting, family changes, discipline/behavior problems at home, school and the community, social/emotional and communication issues.

Referrals come from school staff, county intake staff, self-referral, early childhood screening and public health.

“When we open a case, we work with the entire family on whatever services they need. The unique, flexible program is open to child welfare or mental health case management,” said Brown County Family Facilitator Clinical Supervisor Jamie Rieser. “We offer things like funding resources, getting children involved in different activities for social development, in-home parenting skills and summer activities. We try to engage kids in large, group recreational activities once a week to help kids with social skills. We try to help with activities kids may not get to do with their families because they may be too costly like theater.”

Rieser said the program served 86 families and 129 children in Brown County last year. About two-thirds of the children served were age 12 and under but kids are eligible for the program from birth to high school graduation.

“I certainly appreciate this program,” said Brown County Commissioner Dave Borchert. “I’m also the New Ulm Police Chief. I’ve certainly learned a lot from school resource officers. We have a lot of families in need. Thank you for what you do.”

For more information about the family facilitator program, parents can contact school staff, a counselor or county social services at 507-359-6500.