Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of the bill is to appropriate funds to support the African American Child Wellness Institute, a licensed community mental health center, to enhance its services for African American children and families.

Main Provisions

• The bill allocates funding of $5,250,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $5,512,500 for fiscal year 2027 from Minnesota's general fund.
• These funds are designated for a grant to the African American Child Wellness Institute.
• The institute aims to improve its capacity to offer culturally specific, trauma-informed, and evidence-based mental health services.
• The services are directed towards African American children and families and cover both mental health and substance use disorder assistance.
• The funding also supports supervision, training, and care coordination, ensuring accessibility regardless of financial status or place of residence.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill introduces a new appropriation of funds from the general fund, emerging as a base amount increase in fiscal years 2028 and 2029, indicating ongoing support beyond the initial two fiscal years outlined.

Relevant Terms

• African American Child Wellness Institute
• Mental health services
• Substance use disorder services
• Culturally specific services
• Trauma-informed practice
• Evidence-based care
• General fund appropriation