This bill aims to enhance children's mental health services in Minnesota by establishing new grant programs and modifying existing provisions related to long-term care consultation services. Key initiatives include the creation of a competitive youth care professional grant program to fund training for direct care staff in children's residential facilities and day treatment programs, as well as a high-fidelity wraparound grant program to support community-based responses for children with serious mental health challenges. The legislation also mandates the formation of youth care transition teams to assist youth transitioning from inpatient settings to community care, ensuring they receive necessary support during this critical process.

Additionally, the bill amends several sections of Minnesota Statutes, including updates to the qualifications for mental health certified family peer specialists, which now require lived experience as a youth with a mental illness. It introduces a requirement for lead agencies to complete assessments within a specified timeline, imposing fines for non-compliance, and establishes a pool of state-employed certified assessors to conduct assessments if lead agencies fail to meet their obligations. The commissioner of human services is tasked with developing training curricula for family peer specialists and ensuring compliance with mental health service standards, while also being required to issue biannual reports on assessment completions. Overall, the legislation seeks to improve the quality and accessibility of mental health services for children and families in Minnesota, while ensuring the necessary infrastructure and support systems are in place.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 245.4907, 245I.04, 256.01, 256B.0616, 256B.0911, 256B.4911