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

The Human Service Zone provides eligibility programs, child welfare services and programs for the aged, mentally, and/or physically disabled.

The role of the Human Service Zone for eligibility programs is to determine eligibility for financial assistance to low income individuals and families including eligibility for food stamps, fuel assistance, temporary assistance to needy families, child care assistance, basic care and Medicaid programs.

Child Welfare programs include child protection, case management, foster care for children, parent aide services, prime time childcare services, childcare licensing, children’s special health services and referral services.

The Adult Services include case management (assessment, developing a care plan, authorizing and monitoring services) for clients that are elderly and/or disabled.

The Buffalo Bridges Human Service Zone board meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month at 11:00 AM.

Aged/Disabled home and community based adult protection

Information and Referral

Economic assistance (SNAP, Medicaid, Child care assistance, and TANF)

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 child welfare 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?

ND has a Central Intake unit for reporting Child Abuse and Neglect. If you have questions, concerns or would like to file a Report of suspected child abuse or neglect, please call (833) 958-3500. You may also file a written report of suspected child abuse or neglect. These forms are located at http://www.nd.gov and can be located by simply typing in "960" in the search bar.

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?

Central Intake unit for Aging and Disability Services.

This is simplifying access to in home and other services. Please call the toll free number 1-855-462-5465 for questions. Please call 845-8521 and you will be directed to a worker.

How can I become a foster parent?

Contact Foster Parent Recuritment & Retention Specialist Carissa Cox at 1-833-FST-HOME (1-833-378-4663) or e-mail her at carissa.cox@und.edu (add to notebook)

How do I file a child abuse and negelct report?

As of 1/4/2021, North Dakota transitioned to a Central Intake unit for reporting Child Abuse and Neglect. If you have questions, concerns or would like to file a Report of suspected child abuse or neglect, please call (833) 958-3500. You may also file a written report of suspected child abuse or neglect. These forms are located at www.nd.gov and can be located by simply typing in "960" in the search bar. These completed forms can be dropped off at your local Buffalo Bridges office, faxed to the Central Intake Unit (701) 328-0361 or they can be emailed to cpsintakeunit@nd.gov.

How can I become a licensed or self-declared child care provider?

Please call Julie Opp about becoming a licensed or self-declared child care provider in Barnes County. Call 701-269-0863 for more information. You can also visit https://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/childcare/. Parents seeking licensed childcare can access information regarding local providers by accessing the Find Child Care link on the Child Care Aware of North Dakota website at: https://www.ndchildcare.org