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 moving from inpatient settings to community care, ensuring they receive necessary support during this transition.

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 for individuals requesting long-term care services within a specified timeline, imposing a fine of $250 per day for non-compliance. The bill also establishes a pool of state-employed certified assessors to conduct assessments if lead agencies fail to meet their obligations and mandates biannual reports from the commissioner of human services on assessment completions. Furthermore, it includes provisions for funding and appropriations to improve children's mental health services, adjustments to reimbursement rates, and the establishment of a working group to recommend changes to psychiatric residential treatment facilities.

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