The MH/MR/DD department embraces the philosophy that individuals with disabilities have rights and responsibilities, including the ability to direct their lives within our community.  Counties in Iowa have a commitment to provide cost-effective services in order to assist our consumers to be as independent, productive and integrated into the community as possible within the financial limitations of federal, state, and county resources.  All medical information is protected by Shelby County's Notice of Privacy Practices (HIPAA).

Community Services is a starting point for receiving assistance into the Mental Health/Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities system.  Our Central Point Coordinator (CPC) determines eligibility for county funding, then decides how the request for services will be attained and managed.  The CPC may refer an individual to Targeted Case Management, County Social Work, or to the Department of Human Services.  The CPC determines legal settlement and other financial responsibilities for each consumer, tracks costs and services, collects and reports data, and provides quality assurance.  Our Central Point Coordinator also handles CPC duties for Harrison County and Monona County.

Our County Social Worker monitors and coordinates mental health services for individuals who are not under Targeted Case Management.  Responsibilities include meeting with consumers and providers to develop goals and assessments, documenting services and maintaining case files.  By effectively utilizing collateral supports, the Social Worker assists consumers in developing meaningful relationships pertinent to the success of their goals.  Our Social Worker assists Harrison County and Monona County, as well as Shelby County consumers.

Our Case Managers coordinate the intake and eligibility process for new consumers under Targeted Case Management.  They facilitate the development of the Individual Comprehensive Plan, assist consumers in obtaining and maintaining services, update and maintain master consumer records, maintain correspondence between consumers and their providers and advocate for consumer wants and needs.  Shelby County and Harrison County combined their resources to form Shelby County Case Management, joining a network of providers throughout the State who assist our consumers in accessing appropriate health care under Iowa Medicaid Enterprise.  Our case management agency also has an office in the Harrison County Courthouse in Logan, Iowa.

Shelby County General Relief provides assistance to individuals or households of Shelby County who are poor or needy and is administered within the scope of monies appropriated.  Shelby County General Relief is understood to be "the payer of last resort" when all other means of assistance have been exhausted.  It is not intended to be, nor shall it be, an ongoing support.

As defined in the Shelby County General Relief Program Ordinance, a "needy person" is a person or household who needs immediate, temporary assistance due to circumstances not attributable to that person.  A "poor person" is a person or household that is at or below seventy-five percent (75%) of the current Federal Poverty Guideline.

Assistance may be provided for rent/shelter, burial, medical/dental service, utilities, or food.  An application must be completed; those applications are available at the Community Services office.  All recipients of general relief shall agree to reimburse the County for assistance received.  Every applicant denied assistance is informed in writing of the right to appeal such decision to the Board of Supervisors.

Eye Glass Assistance   -   http://www.givethegiftofsight.org/

Give the Gift of Sight is a family of charitable programs providing free vision care and eyewear to underprivileged individuals in North America and developing countries around the world.