Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to enhance mental health services for young individuals in Minnesota, particularly focusing on children with serious mental health challenges and incarcerated youth. It seeks to achieve this through the establishment of new grant programs and the allocation of state funds.

Main Provisions

• High-Fidelity Wraparound Grants Program:

  • The bill establishes a program that provides grants to support high-fidelity wraparound services. These services are intended to offer comprehensive support for children experiencing severe mental or behavioral health issues and are to be administered by the commissioner of human services.
  • Grants will adhere to specific standards for targeted case management services and employ an evidence-based model approved by the commissioner.

• Eligible Recipients and Uses:

  • Grants will be available to counties or community-based service providers with a commitment to delivering high-fidelity wraparound services.
  • The funds can be utilized for startup costs, especially in scenarios where other funding sources are not available.

• Technical Assistance and Support:

  • The commissioner will provide information and directional support to county human services directors to facilitate access to enhanced rates for children’s mental health targeted case management.

• Data Collection and Reporting:

  • Grantees are required to submit data on service utilization and outcomes at least once a year, and report on efforts to leverage targeted case management rates to support service funding.

• Funding Appropriation:

  • Specific appropriations are made from the general fund for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support these initiatives.

Changes to Existing Law

• This bill proposes the addition of Section 245.4908 to the Minnesota Statutes, establishing a new legal framework for the high-fidelity wraparound grant program.
• It also provides funding to juvenile detention centers to improve mental health services for incarcerated youth, requiring the Department of Corrections to work with the Minnesota Juvenile Detention Association on equitable fund distribution.

Relevant Terms

• High-fidelity wraparound services
• Targeted case management
• Child mental health
• Juvenile detention centers
• Evidence-based model
• Enhanced rate
• Community-based service provider