MN HF3133

Establishes a grant program administered by the Minnesota Commissioner of Human Services to fund transitional housing and support services for vulnerable youth ages 13-17 who have experienced sexual exploitation, family violence, or homelessness.

Eligible applicants must be programs licensed to provide transitional housing with 24-hour on-site staff and established confidentiality protocols; the commissioner shall grant variances allowing programs licensed for ages 16-17 to serve ages 13-17.

Grant funds may be used for transitional housing, meals, living essentials, support services, mental health and substance use counseling, staff training, case management, and aftercare services for youth and their children.

Commissioner must notify grantees of awards by December 1, 2018, with funds disbursed by January 1, 2019, and each January 1 thereafter; grants are awarded for two-year periods with commissioner discretion to reallocate underspending.

Commissioner must deliver a report to the legislature by December 1, 2020, detailing funding amounts, program descriptions, long-term sustainability plans, and outcome data for funded projects.