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Show Social Services assist problem solving "Too often individuals gets shuffled around from agency to agency and worker to worker instead of being linked up with organizations that can help them solve their problems," Richard J. Garrett, district coordinator said. That's where the Utah Department of Social Services Ser-vices information and referral program can help, Garrett said. According to Garrett, trained individuals with knowledge of social service programs in the Iron County area are ready to help citizens in need. "Questions vary. Information In-formation experts can answer an-swer questions about day car, legal services, counseling. coun-seling. They can tell senior citizens how to sign up for nutritional lunches. They can help find the answers to such questions as where to buy a dog license or how to get mental health counseling or information on alcohol and drugs. "Their main responsibility is to help individuals get the assistance they need, quickly and accurately with the least amount of hassles," Garrett said. The district coordinator pointed out that the information in-formation and referral programs are the outgrowth of Utah's Title XX Social Services program which allows local citizens and officials input into how social services funds are spent. "Studies have shown that one of the most needed issues, particularly in rural areas is information on programs. Sometimes services are scattered across several counties. Or counselors or health clincis operate only a couple of days a week. It's difficult for an individual needing help to be aware of these things. So information programs are a method of helping out," Garrett said. The information center in Iron County is located at 1552 West 200 North Street in Cedar City. Telephone inquiries may be made to Paul H. Jefferis, Service Coordinator, at 586-3841. |