Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to establish and fund a high-fidelity wraparound grant program for mental health services targeting children with serious mental or behavioral challenges. It also aims to provide mental health services to incarcerated youth in Minnesota.

Main Provisions

• High-Fidelity Wraparound Grant Program:

  • The bill mandates the creation of a grant program by the commissioner of human services. This program is designed to offer a comprehensive, family-driven response for children with significant mental health or behavioral issues.
  • Grants must adhere to specific standards, supporting services within an approved evidence-based model.

• Eligible Recipients:

  • Counties or community-based service providers committed to delivering these wraparound services are eligible to receive grants.

• Allowable Uses of Grant Money:

  • Funds can be utilized for startup costs, ancillary care, or when other funding options are unavailable.

• Technical Assistance:

  • The commissioner is required to guide county human services directors on grant application processes to secure enhanced rates for children's mental health case management.

• Data Collection and Outcome Measurement:

  • Grantees must submit usage and outcome data at least annually, and provide an annual report outlining efforts to obtain enhanced funding rates to support these services.

Significant Changes

• Funding for Mental Health Services in Juvenile Detention Centers:
  • Appropriates funds from the general fund to assure the availability of mental health services in juvenile detention centers. This includes hiring mental health professionals or contracting services, ensuring balanced statewide distribution through a formula developed by the Department of Corrections and the Minnesota Juvenile Detention Association.

Relevant Terms

• High-fidelity wraparound services
• Mental health services
• Targeted case management
• Evidence-based model
• Juvenile detention centers
• Mental health professionals