MN HF1198

Expands MFIP child care assistance to include child-only families when the primary caregiver has a mental illness diagnosis, covering up to 20 hours per week for children ages six and under as recommended by a treating mental health professional.

Establishes the Rural Family Response and Stabilization Services Pilot Program to provide free crisis response and stabilization services to families with children ages 5-18 with mental illness in rural areas, with immediate response within one hour and support for up to 72 hours.

Increases psychiatric residential treatment facility beds from 150 to 250 at up to ten sites, with an additional 70 beds authorized beginning July 1, 2023, prioritizing facilities serving children with aggressive behaviors, multiple diagnoses, neurodevelopmental disorders, or complex trauma.

Expands mental health services eligibility and grants including children's mental health crisis services, early childhood consultation, evidence-based interventions for psychosis, and school-linked behavioral health services with appropriations totaling over $20 million for fiscal years 2024-2025.

Increases payment rates by 30-50 percent for multiple children's mental health services including in-home therapeutic services, peer support specialists, and crisis stabilization, and extends young adult continuity of care to age 27 for clients aging out of intensive services.