Purpose of the Bill

This legislative measure aims to address gaps and improve the system of children's mental health services in Minnesota. It seeks to enhance funding, ensure coordination among different service sectors, and establish better standards for residential facilities. Key objectives include improving the availability and quality of mental health services for children, particularly in residential settings.

Main Provisions

• Children's Mental Health Services: Counties must develop affordable and accessible mental health services for children. They are required to assess unmet needs and assure timely and appropriate mental health delivery.
• Crisis Stabilization and Licensing: The bill establishes crisis stabilization facilities and requires licensing for treatment facilities for youth with sexual behavior concerns.
• Task Force on Children's Residential Facilities: A legislative task force will be created to develop specific licensing standards for mental health care in children's residential facilities. The task force will review and recommend changes to current practices and licensing rules.
• Financial Studies and Reporting: The bill calls for a financial study and regular updates and reporting to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of these provisions.
• Rule Amendments: Commissioners of corrections and human services will amend rules to require training for trauma-responsive and culturally appropriate practices.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Modification to Licensing Moratoriums: Changes are made to permit exceptions to the existing moratorium on new licenses for certain residential services, potentially impacting community residential settings and crisis stabilization services.
• Rule Adoption for Specific Facilities: Introduces new rules for the licensure of facilities designed for youth with specific behavioral concerns, impacting how these facilities operate and are regulated.
• Children's Mental Health Screenings: Requirements for mental health screenings and assessments for children involved in protective services or the juvenile justice system, including parental consent and circumstances under which screenings are mandated.

Relevant Terms

• Children's mental health services
• Crisis stabilization facility
• Residential treatment facilities
• Licensing for treatment facilities
• Trauma-responsive practices
• Cultural competence
• Juvenile justice system
• Mental health screening and assessment
• Task force on licensing standards