The Golden Valley Police Department's (GVPD) Embedded Social Worker Program aims to restructure responses to mental health-related calls and reduce over-reliance on 911 and law enforcement interventions. It began in 2019 as a partnership with Hennepin County’s Behavioral Health Area.
The program is a collaboration between law enforcement officials and social workers, bridging the gap between emergency response and long-term support for people in need. With 46 municipalities and 31 police departments on board, the program uses a model to identify resources, address service gaps, and develop tailored action plans within local communities.
At the heart of Golden Valley's program is Kat Moreno, an experienced social worker with a background including 911 dispatch, inpatient hospital care, and mental health therapy. Her journey from dispatching to specialized mental health care roles reflects a deep-rooted, long-standing commitment to aiding those in crisis and addressing societal disparities.
Moreno’s role within the GVPD involves responding to referrals from police officers and public safety officials, crafting interventions, and coordinating essential resources for individuals facing various challenges—be it mental health concerns, substance abuse issues, domestic violence situations, or housing instability. By forming connections with community providers and offering person-centered support, Moreno’s goals are to enhance quality of life, reduce police involvement, and prevent unnecessary incarcerations or hospitalizations.
Moreno emphasizes the importance of building trust and individualized care over a one-size-fits-all approach, saying she is “most excited to be working in a position that has all three of my past careers tied into one.”
“We are here to help residents obtain resources and services they may otherwise not have encountered,” she said.
The GVPD’s goal of inclusive public safety allows partnerships like the Embedded Social Worker Program to transform traditional law enforcement frameworks.
Learn more about the GVPD on the Police web page.