VISITATION

Visitation is available everyday between 8am and 8pm, including weekends and holidays. There is no visitation during storm closures or when there is a No Travel Advisory in effect.

All visits will take place in the visitation booth and utilize the video visitation system on a first come, first serve basis. No ‘contact’ visits are allowed. Inmates are allowed one visitation session per day up to 30 minutes in length, but may be terminated by staff at any time for any reason. All parties must use the handset provided to communicate. Conversations may be monitored or recorded.

All visitors are subject to search. Visitors must show valid photo identification and check in with the jail staff prior to any visitation. Visits may be denied for any reason at any time.

Violation of visitation rules may result in immediate termination of the current visit and denial of future visitation.

Professional visitation (attorney, clergy, medical, etc.) will be permitted at reasonable hours, except during designated lockdown periods or facility emergencies. Professional visitation will take place in the jail library unless other arrangements have been made and approved by the Correctional Facility Administrator or Jail Supervisor. Only professional personnel will be permitted. Family members or other third-parties will not be permitted to visit during this time.

RULES GOVERNING VISTORS

MAIL

Inmates may receive mail through the United States Postal Service by addressing it to:

Inmate's Full Name

C/o Pembina County Sheriff's Office

308 Courthouse Dr #2

Cavalier, ND 58220

All letters, except for marked legal mail from an attorney's office, are subject to inspection prior to delivery to an inmate. Letters received after an inmate has been released or transferred will be returned to sender. If no return address is provided, the letter will be destroyed.

COMMISSARY

Money for inmates may be brought to the Pembina County Jail for use by inmates to purchase items from commissary. We can only accept cash for inmate commissary accounts (no checks, money orders, or debit/credit cards).

Personal items from outside the jail (including toiletries, clothing, books, games, etc.) are not permitted unless they are new in the original, unopened packaging, subject to the approval of the corrections staff. Contact corrections staff with questions on approved outside items.

PHONE CALLS/TEXTS

ALL PERSONAL CALLS AND TEXT MESSAGES ARE RECORDED

We use the Reliance Telephone system for prisoner phone calls and texting. Phone cards may be purchased directly from Reliance and provided to an inmate if the inmate does not have enough commissary funds to purchase their own.

Inmates may also call collect if your phone line is set up to accept collect calls.

If you need to provide funds for phone cards or have other questions, you can learn how to use the system by calling Reliance Telephone at 800-896-3201 or by visiting their website: www.reliancetelephone.com/fandf

INMATE VOICEMAIL: Corrections staff are not allowed to pass phone messages to an inmate. If you wish to leave a voice message for an inmate, you may call the inmate voicemail line at 701-922-0538 (new number January 2020) and follow the prompts to direct your message to the appropriate inmate.

UNWANTED CALLS/TEXTS: If you receive an unwanted call/text from an inmate in our facility, follow the prompts on the call to block the number or contact the Pembina County Jail at 701-265-4122 and provide your name and phone number and it will be blocked from being contacted for the duration of the inmate's stay.

PRISON RAPE AND ELIMINATION ACT

What is PREA?

PREA stand for the Prison Rape Elimination Act, which was signed into law by President Bush on September 4, 2003. The final standards to implement PREA went into effect on August 20, 2012.

What is the purpose of PREA?

PREA is intended to address the detection, prevention, reduction and prosecution of sexual harassment and sexual assault in all correctional facilities in the country. It establishes a zero tolerance for sexual assault and harassment.

How to make a third-party report of sexual abuse or sexual harassment:

If you have knowledge of a sexual misconduct that has taken place with an inmate incarcerated at the Pembina County Correctional Facility, a report of the misconduct may be sent in writing or made by telephone to the Sheriff at the address/phone number listed below.

Inmates are encouraged to speak with officers, medical staff, case managers, volunteers, family members, friends or anyone who can assist them in reporting the sexual abuse or harassment. They can write memos, file grievances, or call Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center free of charge and on the inmate phone system.

The Pembina County Correctional Facility sometimes board inmates in other North Dakota County facilities. The PREA sexual abuse aggregate data for those county facilities can be found by clicking on the links below.

Ward County Detention Center https://www.co.ward.nd.us/460/Sexual-Abuse-Policy

Bottineau County Correctional Center https://www.bottineauco.com/sheriff

Rolette County Correctional Facility https://rolettecountycorrectionalfacility.com/

Grand Forks County Correctional Facility https://www.gfcounty.nd.gov/government/adult-corrections/prea

Pembina County PREA Policy

2023 PCSO PREA Report

2022 PCSO PREA Report

2020 PCSO Audit Report

2019 PCSO PREA Report

2017 PCSO Audit Report 

2016 PCSO PREA Report

Grand Forks County Jail PREA Audit Report

Pembina County Sheriff Terry Meidinger

Pembina County Law Enforcement Center

308 Courthouse Drive #2

Cavalier, ND 58220

Phone: 701-265-4122

Fax: 701-265-3194

Pembina County, North Dakota

Job Description

Job Title: Deputy Sheriff – Patrol 2 Job Status: Full-Time

Classification: Highway Patrol Officer I FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Department: Sheriff’s Dept

Reports to: Sheriff

Nature of Work:

Under general supervision of the Sheriff and immediate supervision of a superior deputy, is responsible in an assigned district for general police work; prevention and detection of crime; the protection of life and property; and routine tasks in accordance with rules and regulations.

Essential Functions:

1. Patrol a geographic region of the county to detect and deter crime; issue warnings and citations; respond to calls for assistance; conduct preliminary investigations of crimes and complaints; transport prisoners, detect unusual conditions; and may maintain surveillance and observation for stolen cars, missing persons, or suspects.
2. Respond to calls for assistance, complaints, suspicious activity, domestic disputes, loud and disruptive behavior, and other needs; completing calls by determining true nature of the situation and taking whatever legal or persuasive action is warranted.
3. Serves criminal papers such as warrants, subpoenas, notices of hearing, order of forfeiture, and commitment papers; locates people to serve papers; explains briefly the meaning of the papers being served, and makes arrests when necessary.
4. Serves criminal process papers such as civil summons, magistrate summons, notice of rights, subpoenas, and court orders dealing with child support, child custody, and domestic violence; explains briefly the meaning of papers served and remains in the scene after serving papers until civil process is completed.
5. Serves as bailiff during district and superior court; maintains court security; transports inmates between the jail and courtroom; opens agenda; maintains order in the courtroom; assists in swearing jurors and witnesses; directs jurors to their allocated spaces
6. Prepare lesson plans and present curriculums in the various schools; serve as School Resource Officer and provide security to the school environment, participate in presentations relating to law enforcements; work with staff of disciplinary issues.
7. Perform investigations of accidents and crimes through observation, questioning witnesses, and gathering and preserving physical evidence; perform investigative tasks assigned by detective, arrest and process criminal suspects.
8. Advise the public on laws and local ordinances; provide information to the general public.
9. Regulate and direct vehicular traffic at busy times or when traffic signal malfunctions or accidents require; maintain order at public gatherings.
10. Operates a radio to receive instructions and information from or to report information.
11. Complete written reports on all incidents, arrests, accidents, investigations, assists, and daily activities; reports may be subject to review by supervisors, citizens, insurance adjustors, lawyers, judges, etc.
12. Support federal, state(s), and local saw enforcement operations.
13. Performs other specific duties as required and assigned per division.

Requirements of Work:

1. Working knowledge of the operations, functions, procedures, and legal processes of the Sheriff’s office.
2. Working knowledge of the state and federal laws, local ordinances and policies relating to arrest, search and seizure, and traffic control.
3. Working knowledge of law enforcement principles, practices, methods and equipment.
4. Working knowledge of the criminal and civil papers issued by the courts and the practices involved in serving them.
5. Some knowledge of scientific crime detection and criminal investigation methods and procedures.
6. Working knowledge of the geographic layout of the county as to locations of roads, important buildings, and other landmarks.
7. Skill in the use of firearms and other law enforcement equipment and in the application of self-defense tactics.
8. Ability to act with sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
9. Ability to present effective court testimony.
10. Ability to prepare clear and concise activity reports.
11. Ability to build and maintain cooperative and effective relations with the community.
12. Ability to maintain a positive and productive work atmosphere by communicating and maintaining a professional manner with superiors, other officers, employees, detainees, attorneys, and anyone coming in contact with the Sheriff’s Department.
13. Able to deal firmly and courteously with the general public.
14. Willing to work shift work consisting of days, nights, holidays and weekends.
15. Exercise independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest, and when force may be used.
16. Ability to react quickly and calmly under emergency conditions which includes the normal use of all extremities; must have ability to hear normally, and eyesight corrected to 20/30 or better with the ability to distinguish colors and have no appreciable loss of peripheral vision.
17. Must possess a valid drivers license with no serious traffic violations, no felony or misdemeanor convictions.
18. Able to pass civil, criminal, and drivers license background checks, and physical and mental evaluations to prove ability to handle one self in cases of physically demanding emergencies and stressful environmental strains.
19. Maintain the Sheriff’s Department code of ethics, policies, and the North Dakota Century Code.

Desired Training and Experience:

1. Must be U S Citizen, 18 years of age or older.
2. High school graduate or GED certified.
3. Must be licensed or licensable.

Special Working Conditions:

1. Physical environment consists of exposure to extremes in weather and driving conditions. Much time is spent in a vehicle, oftentimes having to go out into the elements while conducting investigations, traffic stops, and property checks.
2. Will include physical motions of sitting, standing, walking, running, climbing, jumping, lifting, pulling, carrying and dragging objects, quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicles and physical contact with others using body force to restrain individuals.
3. Will include effectively restraining a suspect, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs, and other restraints.
4. Endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted by suspects and other people in an antagonistic environment; break up fights and affrays; use of firearms when necessary.
5. Encounter environmental and health concerns through exposure to infectious diseases transmitted through body fluids, chemicals, and other substances related to Deputy Sheriff work.

Clarification Clause:

This job description is not intended and should not be construed to be a complete list of all duties, skills, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be a reasonable outline of those principle job elements essential in maintaining Deputy Sheriff related positions. The job description is not a contract. The County reserves the right to modify job descriptions at any time.

Pembina County, North Dakota

Job Description

Job Title: Deputy Sheriff - Patrol Job Status: Full-Time

Classification: Highway Patrol Officer I FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Department: Sheriff’s Dept

Reports to: Sheriff

Nature of Work:

Under general supervision of the Sheriff and immediate supervision of a superior deputy, is responsible in an assigned district for general police work; prevention and detection of crime; the protection of life and property; and routine tasks in accordance with rules and regulations.

Essential Functions:

1. Interpret and accurately apply specialized legal knowledge and constitutional law to enforce state and federal safety, traffic and criminal laws, rules and regulations.
2. Prevent loss of life, personal injury, and property destruction through patrol, traffic enforcement, crime prevention, surveillance, crowd control, and public safety promotion activities.
3. Enforce federal and state traffic and criminal laws including stopping violators; issuing warnings and citations; conductions field sobriety and blood-alcohol tests; detaining, arresting, transporting, and booking suspects; and apprehending stolen vehicles and fleeing felons.
4. Respond to and investigate vehicular crashes, incidents, and potential safety hazards on and off state and county roadways; assess needs and request specific agency assistance; perform crash victim extrication and injury triage; determine cause and initiate necessary action to correct engineering concerns and /or change behavior.
5. Detect, gather, preserve and maintain evidence.
6. Transport inmates and provide internal security for detention facility and county courtroom as needed.
7. Recognize and respond to various hazardous material incidents, natural disasters, and other emergency situations.
8. Complete written reports on all incidents, arrests, accidents, investigations, assists, and daily activities; reports may be subject to review by supervisors, citizens, insurance adjustors, lawyers, judges, etc.
9. Participate in the prosecution of offenders; respond to inquiries by attorneys; prepare courtroom testimony, and testify in court and at administrative hearings.
10. Support federal, state(s), and local saw enforcement operations.
11. Performs other specific duties as required and assigned per division.

Requirements of Work:

1. Maintain a positive and productive work atmosphere by communicating and maintaining a professional manner with superiors, other officers, employees, detainees, attorneys, and anyone coming in contact with the Sheriff’s Department.
2. Elementary knowledge of general police methods and procedures or the ability to learn such methods rapidly; knowledge of traffic rules, regulations and criminal laws; aptitude in the use of firearms, and the ability to operate motor vehicles and law enforcement radios and equipment.
3. Reading, writing and arithmetic skills sufficient to create and comprehend activity reports.
4. Able to deal firmly and courteously with the general public.
5. Willing to work shift work consisting of days, nights, holidays and weekends.
6. Exercise independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest, and when force may be used.
7. Ability to react quickly and calmly under emergency conditions which includes the normal use of all extremities; must have ability to hear normally, and eyesight corrected to 20/30 or better with the ability to distinguish colors and have no appreciable loss of peripheral vision.
8. Must possess a valid drivers license with no serious traffic violations, no felony or misdemeanor convictions.
9. Able to pass civil, criminal, and drivers license background checks, and physical and mental evaluations to prove ability to handle one self in cases of physically demanding emergencies and stressful environmental strains.
10. Maintain the Sheriff’s Department code of ethics, policies, and the North Dakota Century Code.

Desired Training and Experience:

1. Must be U S Citizen, 18 years of age or older.
2. High school graduate or GED certified.
3. Must be licensed or licensable.

Special Working Conditions:

1. Physical environment consists of exposure to extremes in weather and driving conditions. Much time is spent in a vehicle, oftentimes having to go out into the elements while conducting investigations, traffic stops, and property checks.
2. Will include physical motions of sitting, standing, walking, running, climbing, jumping, lifting, pulling, carrying and dragging objects, quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicles and physical contact with others using body force to restrain individuals.
3. Will include effectively restraining a suspect, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs, and other restraints.
4. Endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted by suspects and other people in an antagonistic environment; break up fights and affrays; use of firearms when necessary.
5. Encounter environmental and health concerns through exposure to infectious diseases transmitted through body fluids, chemicals, and other substances related to Deputy Sheriff work.

Clarification Clause:

This job description is not intended and should not be construed to be a complete list of all duties, skills, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be a reasonable outline of those principle job elements essential in maintaining Deputy Sheriff related positions. The job description is not a contract. The County reserves the right to modify job descriptions at any time.

Pembina County

Job Description

Job Title: Correctional Officer Job Status: full-time

Department: Corrections FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Sheriff and Chief Correctional Officer

Location: Pembina County Correctional Facility Date: 9/11/23

Job Summary:

Correctional Officer will oversee the security, control and conduct of inmates during work shift at the correctional center to ensure the Pembina County Correctional Facility is operating in a peaceful manner.

Essential Job Duties:

• Basic operation of the jail facility:
• Admit and release prisoners, to include searching inmates and property and making inventory of the personal property of the prisoners. Book and discharge inmates; issue clothing and supplies to new inmates. Classify incoming inmates and place them in proper cells. Ensure that inmates are checked on a routine and regular basis. Must maintain ability to complete all duties of a Correctional Officer.
• Records management:
• Fingerprint and photograph inmates and type fingerprint cards. Complete all booking records during intake and release. Send paperwork to District Clerk of Court as required.
• Safety, well-being and security:
• Assist in jail safety and security procedures, including the control of weapons, contraband, keys, tools, all doors and other related safety and security precautions. Promote acceptable attitudes and behaviors of inmates to assist them in adjusting to a confinement setting. Deliver meals and assist in meal preparation. Disperse medication to prisoners as directed by medical professionals. Assist in the cleaning of the jail areas. Ensure that cells, facilities and grounds are kept sanitary.
• Any other duties as assigned:
• Attend training sessions and meetings as required. Assure mandatory training hours are met to keep certification. Follow procedures and protocols during emergency situations such as an escape, fire, tornado or other threat, mass bookings, cell searches, etc.

Job Qualifications, Experience, and Education:

• Must complete basic Correctional Officer I training within 1 year of hire.
• Must have high school diploma, GED or equivalent.
• Must complete CMT II med certification after hire.
• In accepting the position of Correctional Officer, must possess the ability to work with fellow officers and personnel of other law enforcement agencies that work out of Pembina County LEC.

Working Conditions/Physical and Mental Demands:

• Correctional Officer must possess the ability to perform duties effectively under stressful conditions, ability to make decisions quickly and accurately with tact and impartiality.
• Physical environment in which one must maintain control of aggressive inmates and utilize all use of force options.

• Inside work with limited exposure to outside elements.
• Potential exposure to blood-borne pathogens, noxious fumes and combative inmates.

• Moderate use of PC keyboard, monitor and standard office equipment (copier, fax, calculator, etc.), as well as monitoring multiple cameras and utilizing Jail software programs.

The application for Financial Assistance Programs can be downloaded (or completed and printed) by clicking here: 

TANF (Temporary Aid for Needy Families)

Provides the basic minimums for food, clothing, and shelter for children who are deprived of those needs due to death, desertion, separation, or disability of one or both parents. Income and assets are considered for eligibility. Time limit of 60 months to received TANF benefits.

JOBS

Provides education, training, child care, and incentives towards employment.

SNAP

Formerly called Food Assistance and Food Stamps. This program is intended to assist individuals and families with the purchasing of food. Eligibility is based on income and assets.

Basic Care Assistance Program

Provides payment to a Basic Care Facility to supplement an individual’s income to meet the rate for “Basic Care” or “Rest Home Care.” Individuals must be eligible for Medicaid to receive Basic Care Assistance.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

Also called “Fuel Assistance” or “Heating Assistance.” Benefits are all Federal funds. The program is available from October 1st through May 31st each year. Eligibility is based on income and assets.
Application can be downloaded (or completed and printed) clicking here:
 

Medicaid

Also called Medical Assistance or referred to as MA. The purpose of this program is to provide assistance for persons whose income and resources are not sufficient to meet the cost of necessary medical expenses or long term care costs. Income and assets are considered for eligibility determination.

Child Care Assistance Program

This program provides assistance to low income families who are employed and/or a possibility of child care for those attending college to meet their child care expenses. Eligibility is based on the number of individuals in the household and the household’s monthly gross income.
Application can be downloaded (or completed and printed)

Childcare licensing is required for anyone providing care to more than 5 children or more than 3 infants under 2 years of age. Licensed providers can participate in the Child Care Assistance Program, if they care for children who qualify, and the USDA Food Program. For more information or if interested in becoming a licensed provider please 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: http://www.ndchildcare.orgicking here:

Contact Person: Lynelle Fraser, Social Worker III

Case Management: A Licensed Social Worker (Case Manager) is provided by the County to assist clients in accessing Homemaker and Personal Care Services. The Case Manager visits the client’s home, conducts a comprehensive assessment of the client’s overall functioning to determine appropriate services for the client, and monitors the client’s condition and services.

Cost of Service: The cost of Homemaker, Personal Care Services, and Case Management Services varies with each person’s situation. Their liquid assets and monthly income, minus certain deductions, determine their fee, which is based on a sliding fee scale. For those clients who must pay a fee, Social Services sends a statement to them around the 10th of each month for the month that service were provided. There is no charge for the services of the Public Health Nurse in conjunction with supervising the In-Home Care Specialists in their provision of Personal Care Services.

Pembina County In-Home Care Specialists provide Homemaker and Personal Care services to enable elderly and disabled adults to remain in their own homes. These services are provided where no alternative services are available, if no relatives or friends are available, and if the help is needed on a regular basis, such as every other week, weekly, or up to three (3) times per week.

Homemaker Services:

Pembina County In-Home Care Specialists provide assistance with the following household tasks:

• Light Housework: such as vacuuming, floor care, dusting, garbage removal, changing linens, etc.
• Laundry: washing, drying, folding, ironing, mending, and related work.
• Meal Preparation: planning, preparing, and serving the meal, as well as clean-up and dishwashing.
• Shopping: for essential needs, such as groceries.
• Money Management: assisting with budgeting and monthly bill-paying.
• Communication: using the telephone, reading, and sending mail.

Personal Care Services:

Pembina County In-Home Care Specialists are able to assist with the following personal care tasks:

• Bathing: bed, tub, shower, or bath.
• Hair Care: bed or sink shampoo, set and comb hair, shave.
• Teeth / Mouth / Denture Care
• Dress / Undress: assist client in getting properly dressed or undressed.
• Feeding / Eating: feeding a client who is unable to feed self, or assist client with routine regimen of eating.
• Toileting / Continence: assist with routine regimen for toileting and care associated with incontinence.
• Transfer in / out of bed or chair.
• Turning / positioning client in bed.
• Mobility (routine movement) inside home.
• Eye Care: routine regimen of non-prescription eye drops, ointment, or eye pad.
• Medication Assistance: limited to assisting client with self-administration of medications.
• Skin Care: application of creams and lotions; treatment of minor skin problems.
• Nail Care: routine finger nail care for homebound individuals (cannot cut toe nails).
• Application of Antiembolic Stockings and Ace Wrap.
• Care of Prosthetic, Orthotic, or Adaptive Device.
• Temperature, Pulse, Respiration, and Blood Pressure.
• Maintenance Exercises.
• Assist Congnitively Impaired Client.
• Other tasks that may be performed:
  • Ostomy Care (general maintenance)
  • Indwelling Bladder Catheter Care
  • Water Bath / Heat (whirlpool, etc.)
  • Postural / Bronchial Drainage
  • Bowel Program (suppository)

Department of Human Services Toll Free Numbers:

• Main Switchboard: 1-800-472-2622
• Child Support 1-800-231-4255
• SNAP / LIHEAP 1-800-755-2716
• Medical Services 1-800-755-2604
• Aging Services 1-855-462-5465
• Children & Family Services 1-800-245-3736
• Children’s Special Health Services 1-800-755-2714
• Disability Services 1-800-755-8529
• Mental Health Services 1-800-755-2719
• Substance Abuse Services 1-800-642-6042

Other Helpful Toll Free Numbers:

• AIDS Hotline 1-800-472-2180
• Alzheimer’s Association 1-800-438-4380
• American Cancer Society 1-800-342-4535
• American Heart Association 1-800-532-8688
• Arthritis Foundation 1-800-437-5845
• Ask-A-Nurse (24 hours) 1-800-552-0190
• BCI Drug Hotline 1-800-472-2185
• Better Hearing Institute 1-800-327-9355
• Domestic Violence 1-800-472-2911
• Drug Abuse Hotline 1-800-642-6042
• Epileptic Foundation 1-800-292-7932
• Farm Stress 1-800-642-4752
• Housing Discrimination 1-800-424-8590
• Legal Aid of North Dakota 1-800-634-5263
• Mental Health Association 1-800-472-2911
• Multiple Sclerosis Society 1-800-437-4757
• Poison Control Center – Fargo 1-800-732-2200
• Red Cross 1-800-832-0120
• Social Security Administration 1-800-772-1213
• Suicide Prevention 1-800-472-2911
• Veteran’s Administration 1-800-827-1000

REV: 04-2010

Children’s Special Health Services:

Diagnostic services for treatment for children who have certain crippling conditions. There are income and resource maximums for eligibility.

Day Care Licensing:

Complete licensing for interested applicants.

Foster Care Licensing:

The provision of substitute parental care when children need to be removed from their home. Licensure is required.

• What is Foster Care for children? Foster Care is a supportive service available to families experiencing problems. It is considered / available for a child when all other alternatives to out-of-home placement have been explored or tried.
• What is Foster Care Placement? When it is not possible for a child to remain in his or her own family’s home, temporary alternative placement in a licensed foster home is an option considered. Foster Parents provide a nurturing and secure family environment until the child returns home.
• How are Foster Parents selected? The child’s needs influence the foster home selected. Foster care is a service to children whose emotional, social, and physical needs are of utmost importance. The agency matches the child to the foster home and works with the foster child, the child’s parents, and the foster family to provide the best foster care experience possible in working towards early return to the child’s home, if that is the goal.
• How long does a child stay in Foster Care? Length of stay in foster care varies depending on the case plan and ranged from brief emergency care to placement over a period o months, or to planned long-term foster care.
• How do I become a Foster Parent? Licensure is required. The process involves making application to your local County Social Service office, a home study, fire and safety checks of the home, and references. There is no fee for licensure.
• Will I be paid? The Foster Parents will receive a maintenance reimbursement for the care of the foster child depending upon the child’s age. Specialized payments are also made depending upon the needs of the child and the care/effort required.
• Is there a need for Foster Homes in Pembina County? Y-E-S!

Parent Aide Services:

This program is to empower parents to more effectively parent their children. This service helps prevent out-of-home placements.

Prime Time Day Care:

The program provides child care for families in crisis. These services are intended to enable parents to attend parenting classes, therapy, or respite from parenting responsibilities.

Crossroads Program:

This program may be available to parents who are age 20 years or under, who are the primary caretaker of their child, and who are pursuing their high school diploma, alternative high school placement, or a GED program. Child care costs are paid for the child while the parent is attending school.

Subsidized Adoption:

Provides financial assistance to assure the adoption of children whose handicap, age, sibling group, or minority background might otherwise prevent their adoption,

Family Home Care:

Assists persons who are experiencing difficulty living independently and unable to provide for their own needs.

Child Protection Services:

Social Services in mandated by law to complete an assessment with regards to all alleged concerns our agency receives regarding children, ages 0-18, who are allegedly being neglected or abused that fall within the Child Abuse/Neglect Law. This assessment is completed by a licensed social worker to determine what, if any, services are needed to protect and promote the safety and well-being and permanence of children. All individuals making a report of concern regarding a child are protected by law and are kept confidential.

To report Child Abuse or Neglect, go to the following URL for the appropriate reporting form:

www.nd.gov/eforms/doc/sfn00960.pdf

Supervision Guidelines:

The following information is reprinted verbatim from the Brochure entitled, “Home Alone – Is Your Child Ready?,” which is provided by the North Dakota Department of Human Services, Children & Family Services Division, Child Protection Services.

The property tax is an ad valorem tax, that is, a tax based upon value. It's the primary means by which local government pays for services it provides, such as police and fire protection, schools, roads, parks, courts, etc. It involves two separate functions, the assessment function and the budget function. After these functions are completed, the county auditor calculates the appropriate mill rate and that rate is applied to each taxable property to determine the property tax.

The assessor is responsible for discovering, listing and valuing all taxable property. All real property is subject to taxation, unless expressly exempted by law. All property is valued according to its value on February 1 st of each year. All real property is valued at True and Full Value. For residential and commercial property, this equals market value. For agricultural value, it equals its productivity value as defined by North Dakota statute.

The assessor must notify property owners when the valuation increases more than 15% and more than $3,000 True and Full Value. In April of each year, the assessor's assessments are reviewed by the city or township boards of equalization. Within the first ten (10) days of June, the county reviews the assessments of cities and townships. During August of each year, the State Board of Equalization reviews the assessments as finalized by the various counties.

The assessor, by the fair and accurate valuation of property, ensures that everyone shares equitably in the total burden of property taxation.

New or expanding business projects may be granted an exemption for up to five years, in addition to extensions. There is also a remodeling exemption for residences or commercial properties.  Please contact your local assessor or the Pembina County Director of Equalization office for additional information, as the rules are somewhat complex.  You can also visit the State Tax Commissioner web site at: https://www.tax.nd.gov

Certain new single family residences may be exempt up to $150,000 in value for two years if approved by the respective local jurisdiction and county. Please check with your local assessor or Equalization office for to see if the program is offered.

Homes owned and occupied by persons who are a Veteran, blind or have certain disabilities may be eligible for exemption.

Generally speaking, most personal property is exempt.

Certain energy systems and pollution control systems may be exempt.

Charitable, religious, and certain non-profit organization property may be entitled to exemption based on an annual application.

Farm structures are generally exempt. Farm residences occupied by bona fide farmers may complete an annual application to determine eligibility of a possible exemption.

The exemptions listed above are not all inclusive. Most exemptions are listed in the NDCC 57-02-08. Please contact your Pembina County Equalization office for additional information and application forms. Additional information is available at the web site for the State Tax Commissioner https://www.tax.nd.gov

If you feel that your property assessment is excessive and does not represent True and Full value, you may ask for relief.

You should contact your local assessor immediately and ask that your assessment be reviewed.

If you and the assessor cannot agree on a proper assessment, then you may appeal in two different manners. If the current year valuation is at issue, then you may appeal by attending the various equalization meetings. In order to be heard before the State Board of Equalization, you must have appeared before the local and county boards of equalization.

You may also file an abatement on your property for current and previous years relief (2 years). You must file by November 1 st of the year following the year the tax becomes delinquent.

In either case, the burden of proof falls upon the applicant to show that the valuation is incorrect. Therefore, the applicant would need to present information showing that the assessment is not correct.

For additional information, you may visit the Office of State Tax Commissioner Web Site pgs. 7-8 of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. You can also download the abatement application form at this site. You can also contact our office for additional information.

Homeowners who are 65 years of age or older or who are permanently and totally disabled (physicians certificate required) may be entitled to a property tax credit. Qualifications include an annual income less medical expenses of $70,000 or less (including that of spouse, or any dependents). The applicant may receive a credit up to $9,000 in taxable value of the homestead if approved at 100%.

For additional information and application, please contact the Pembina County Director of Equalization office.

Renters may also be entitled to a rent refund under the Homestead Credit program. Renters apply directly with the Office of State Tax Commissioner for this refund.

Additional information on the program is also available at the State Tax Commissioners Web Site  https://tax.nd.gov