Joplin Police awarded grant to create embedded police social worker program

The Joplin Police Department is getting a $50,000 grant to help fund the initiation of an embedded police social worker program.

This week JPD was awarded the money from the Joplin Philanthropic Society to create a position within the police department staffed by licensed social workers.

Joplin Police say these social workers will partner with sworn officers to offer services to individuals in crisis who come into contact with police. Many of the needs of these individuals officers are not typically able to assist with.

These services may include medical issues, mental health counseling, emergency food and/or housing, and drug/alcohol abuse assistance and more.

They plan to have this program in effect by the end of the year.