MN SF2988

Establishes a grant program allowing the Minnesota Commissioner of Human Services to award grants to eligible applicants for planning, establishing, or operating transitional housing and support services for vulnerable youth ages 13-17 who have experienced sexual exploitation or family/relationship violence.

Eligible applicants must be programs licensed by the commissioner, maintain 24-hour on-site staff, and have established confidentiality protocols; the commissioner may grant program variances under chapter 245A to serve the specified age group.

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

Applicants must submit detailed applications describing the purpose, problem addressed, achievable objectives, timeline, existing experience, and evaluation process; the commissioner must notify grantees of awards by December 1, 2018, and disburse funds by January 1, 2019, and each January 1 thereafter.

Commissioner must consult with providers serving homeless and sexually exploited youth to develop recommendations resolving conflicting requirements and fostering best practices, with an update to legislative committees by January 15, 2019.