A system of care is a coordinated network of community-based services and supports designed to meet the challenges of children and youth with serious mental health needs and their families. These partnerships of families, youth, public organizations and private service providers work to more effectively deliver mental health services and supports that build on the strengths of individuals and fully address children’s and youths’ needs. These systems are also developed around the principles of being child-centered, family-driven, strength-based and culturally competent, engaging youth and involving interagency collaboration.
The partners work together to improve accessibility and increase the availability of community-based, culturally and linguistically competent services and supports. A system of care can help children, youth and families function better at home, in school, in the community and other areas of life.
In 2017, SAMHSA’s Center for Mental Health Services awarded a System of Care Expansion Grant to the State of Minnesota for improving and expanding community mental health services to meet the needs of children and youth with serious emotional disturbances and their families. Minnesota System of Care is an innovative initiative helping children and youth with complex mental health needs and their families by connecting and coordinating the work of many partners across the state.
There are also three other graduated system of care communities in Minnesota:
