230 4^th St. NW, Room 103
Valley City, ND 58072
701-845-8521 Fax 701-4281

Mission: Strengthen and empower individuals and families by providing the tools and services necessary to improve their quality of life.

Director: Heather M. Pautz, LSW
Chairman of Barnes County Social Service Board: Tom Overn

Barnes County Social Services lobby is located in room 103 on the south side of the first floor of the Barnes County Courthouse.

Economic assistance staff includes: Val Burchill, Cindy Unger, Leslie Zachrison, Helen Sherlock, Gwen Coit, Leah Tangen, and Carolyn Schlenvogt.

Office Assistants and EW Tech Include: Cheryl Foster, Eloise Olson, and Mary Buringrud.

Social work staff includes: Heather M. Pautz, Sheila Oye, Lisa Bayley-Neurauter, Candy Huss, and Bob Guertin

Human Service Aids: Katie Pommerer and Cathy Metzger

In Home Care Specialist: Becky Compson

Child protection

Family foster care

Parent aide

Family focused

Daycare licensing and registration

Children’s special health

Aged/Disabled home and community based adult protection

Information and Referral

Economic assistance

General assistance and permanency funds

What are permanency funds?

These are funds available to families with children at risk of out of home placement, homelessness, or other emergency situations. One of the social worker’s can visit with you about your needs and eligibility for these funds.

Who can I file a report of child abuse or neglect with?

You may file a report of suspected child abuse or neglect with any of our social workers at 701-845-8521. They will ask you specific questions about the child, parents, person causing the abuse or neglect, home environment and other areas. Be as specific and clear as possible. Please call local law enforcmeent at 845-3110 if you can not reach us.

Will the person causing the abuse or neglect find out I reported them?

No, unless a judge orders the social worker to reveal the name of the reporter while in court or unless you have given the social worker permission to tell them.

What are home and community based services?

Candy Huss is the social worker designated for these programs and can answer your questions regarding these programs. She can be reached at 701-845-8521

What economic assistance programs am I eligible for?

Please come in to room 103 or call 701-845-8521 to set up an appointment to meet with an intake worker. Only economic assistance case managers can answer your questions about eligibility for food stamps, medical assistance, etc.

How can I become a foster parent?

Please call Sheila Oye about becoming a foster parent in Barnes County. Call 845-8521 for more information