Placements, prevention programs and fraud review

Brown County Human Service provides update to commissioners

NEW ULM -- Brown County Human Services presented its regular monthly update to the Brown County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 22, including data on out-of-home placements, prevention programs, summer camps and a state fraud prevention review.

Human Services Director Anne Broskoff presented the report, which covered activity since the Aug. 25 board meeting.

During the reporting period from Aug. 25 to Sept. 22, 12 children entered out-of-home placement. 

The update also showed two children finalized permanency and one youth was admitted to a residential facility for an assessment. Identifying information was not included in the public report to protect confidentiality.

The report framed placements alongside prevention efforts aimed at supporting families and reducing the need for placement.

Brown County Human Services helped send 28 children to three different camps during 2026, with total camp costs supported by local partners including the Optimist Club and South Country Health Alliance.

The board reviewed data on the Parent Support Outreach Program, or PSOP. From January 1 through September 2, 22 children across 10 families received PSOP case management. 

The typical family received ongoing services for 16 months. PSOP is a voluntary, early-intervention program for families facing risk factors that could lead to involvement with the child protection system.

In a case example included in the report, PSOP caseworker Angela Bruns highlighted a local family’s progress after securing permanent housing, employment and health care in New Ulm.

“Considering that neither of them grew up learning how to complete tasks or reach out for help when needed, the progress they’ve made as a family is truly significant, and I am very proud of them,” Bruns said.

“That’s how government is working at its best -- to provide those little bits of service to get people back on their feet and on a trajectory to becoming independent,” Commissioner Brian Braun said in response. “That’s a nice story, and I really appreciate that you provided that.”

In a separate item, the county received findings from a Minnesota Department of Human Services review of eight Brown County fraud investigation cases. State reviewers concluded Brown County maintains a “strong fraud prevention program,” noting clear and factual investigative summaries with only minor documentation issues identified. 

The eight cases were reviewed for program compliance. Preston Cowing was identified as the county investigator, with Adam Krabbenhoft and Andrew Toenjes serving as state reviewers.

In other business, commissioners considered a maintenance request for Lake Hanska Park. Planning and Zoning Director Robert Santaella presented options to replace the park shop’s air conditioner, which cannot be repaired, and its 1988 furnace, which has required ongoing maintenance.

Santaella updated his initial recommendation to support a higher-efficiency unit.

“After reviewing the efficiency ratings, we’re changing that recommendation,” Santaella told the board. “There’s a noticeable efficiency rating difference in the two comparable units. Long term, it makes more sense financially to pay a little bit more now, just under $300 extra for a unit that’s going to be more efficient for its usable life.”

The board approved purchasing a ductless heat-pump system from Nilson Heating and Air Conditioning for $6,796.57 based on its 21.2 SEER efficiency rating.

The board also approved the reappointment of Michael Montalto as Assistant Veterans Service Officer for a four-year term effective Oct. 10.