Sponsor: Social Services
Title
title
Grant Agreement with the Department of Human Services for the Mental Health Innovation Grant
end
Recommendation
recommendation
1. Ratify the submittal of the grant application to the Department of Human Services for the Mental Health Innovation Grant.
2. Accept a grant award and approve a grant agreement with the Department of Human Services for Mental Health Services for the period of January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026, in the amount of $817,406.
3. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the grant agreement.
4. Authorize the County Manager to execute amendments to the grant agreement in the form approved by the County Attorney’s Office.
end
Background and Rationale
body
Ramsey County Social Services has been selected as a qualified responder to the request for proposals to create and implement programs that improve the accessibility and quality of community-based, outpatient mental health services. These services must be designed to reduce the need for inpatient level of care at the Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center (AMRTC) and in Community Behavioral Health Hospitals (CBHH), as well as help facilitate a smoother and easier discharge back to the community.
Ramsey County’s framework is to ensure that intensive mental health services are provided for Rule 20 residents in community settings. These individuals often experience significant delays in discharge due to a lack of appropriate community placements and face compounded challenges related to mental and/or chemical health, particularly within the forensic population.
This funding and initiative is critically needed to address the rising costs associated with delayed discharges of Rule 20 clients, especially those classified as "Does Not Meet Criteria" (DNMC). In 2023, DNMC clients had an average length of stay of 166 days, with some staying as long as 929 days. These extended stays result in substantial costs and impact patient flow, preventing timely access for others in need of state-operated facility care.
The proposed program will leverage the grant funding to reduce these costs by increasing the capacity for community placements through bed hold contracts with Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS) and Corporate Foster Care facilities. These contracts will ensure more timely discharge options, reducing both the length of stay and the financial burden on state facilities. Moreover, the expedited processing of Medical Assistance (MA) paperwork will be prioritized, minimizing delays related to financial barriers and enabling faster transitions to appropriate community settings.
Building on previous funding successes, the Social Services will provide targeted training and support for Adult Mental Health Targeted Case Managers, community providers, and contracted vendors to enhance their capacity to serve the Rule 20 population effectively. This initiative will focus on training that aligns with evidence-based practices and the specific needs of clients with dual diagnoses and substance abuse issues, ensuring continuity of care and reducing the risk of recidivism.
Continued funding will also support the development of a collaborative model that strengthens community resources, enabling a seamless transition from state facilities to community placements. Key strategies include ongoing coordination with IRTS and Corporate Foster Care providers, expanding the availability of residential options, and partnering with substance abuse programs to provide comprehensive care for clients. These efforts will reduce the demand for inpatient psychiatric services and facilitate quicker, more efficient discharges.
end
County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☐ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
African Americans, Indigenous and other people of color are overrepresented in the criminal justice system. Improving diversion efforts and creating more housing opportunities for community-based treatment, including culturally specific options, will reduce the number of racially and ethnically diverse residents who lack the support and resources needed to stabilize their mental health and well-being.
Community Participation Level and Impact
Ramsey County Social Services has surveyed various community residential providers and case managers from across the county to determine the types of interventions needed.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☒ Involve ☒ Collaborate ☒ Empower
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact to the operating budget.
Grant Budget Breakdown:
Contracted Services: $683,406
Evaluation costs:$26,000
Client Housing Cost:$108,000
Last Previous Action
On January 17, 2023, the Board of Commissioners approved the Grant Agreement from the Minnesota Department of Human Services for Mental Health Services (Resolution B2023-022).
Attachments
1. Letter of Intent