Franklin County DSS

About

DSS is Franklin County's largest department in both number of employees and budget size. DSS employs 135 staff and has an annual budget of $27 - $30 million dollars. DSS main offices are located at 184 Finney Boulevard in Malone.  Outreach offices are located in Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake.    As its mission statement states, DSS' purpose is to serve those in need of assistance and services.  Assistance and service programs provided by DSS are mandated by NYS and the Federal Government and are available to qualifying residents of Franklin County.    DSS is funded with NYS and Federal revenues, as well as, Franklin County tax dollars.  The previously mentioned budget of $27 - $30 million dollars is offset by NYS and Federal revenues which varies by program.  NYS and Federal revenues/reimbursements range from 25% to 100% depending on the program.    DSS is comprised of 4 divisions:  Financial Assistance, Children and Family Services, Child Support Services and Administration. Administration supports the staff of the other three divisions.  A brief description of each department and programs they administer appear in the Programs and/Services section of the website. The Directory Section of this website will provide phone numbers and mailing addresses for each DSS location.    It should be noted that DSS contracts certain mandated functions to other agencies with expertise to better provide services. For example, Domestic Violence Services and Employment Programs are contracted to other agencies.

Services Provided

Independent/Community Living

• Housing/Residential services (e.g., apartment, low-income housing)
• Financial assistance (e.g., public assistance, financial literacy)
• Food security (e.g., food pantries)

Family Supports

• Support groups (e.g., parents, caregivers, peers)
• Educational resources for families
• Evaluations (e.g., psychological, neurological, assistive technology, developmental)

Other Services

• Special education mediation (e.g., dispute resolution)

Supported Age Ranges

• Early childhood (0-5)
• School age (5-18)
• Young adult (18+)

Counties Served

• FRANKLIN