Purpose of the Bill

The bill is designed to improve behavioral health policies in Minnesota, specifically targeting services for children experiencing severe emotional disturbances. It aims to update the Children's Mental Health Act and formalize the intermediate school-linked behavioral health grant program.

Main Provisions

• Case Management for Children:

  • Defines the qualifications and responsibilities for case managers working with children who have severe emotional disturbances. This includes experience requirements, educational background, and necessary training.
  • Establishes criteria for both case managers and case manager associates, including education, work experience, and required supervision.

• Supervision and Training Requirements:

  • Mandates regular supervision and mentorship for case managers and case manager associates to ensure quality service delivery.
  • Outlines the amount of training and continuing education needed for ongoing qualification as a case manager or a case manager associate.

• Specific Provisions for Immigrants:

  • Allows immigrants currently working toward relevant educational qualifications to provide case management services for child immigrants from the same ethnic group, provided they meet certain supervision and training criteria.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Codifies the intermediate school-linked behavioral health grant program into law, emphasizing the connection between educational institutions and mental health services.
• Updates the qualifications and training requirements for mental health practitioners involved in child case management, expanding pathways for individuals without traditional degrees but with relevant experience or partial education.

Relevant Terms

mental health, children's mental health act, behavioral health, case manager, case management, emotional disturbance, training requirements, supervision, immigrant case managers, school-linked grant program