Forum: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Moving Forward Together: Building a System of Care for Minnesota’s Children and Families
Minnesota is building a statewide System of Care for children’s mental health—one that is coordinated across systems, responsive to the needs of children and families, and grounded in the strengths of communities and providers.
Over the past year, state agencies, providers, families, youth, and community partners have contributed to the development of this work, identifying gaps, opportunities, and priorities for strengthening Minnesota’s children’s mental health system. This 90-minute forum is an opportunity to learn more about that work, hear what has emerged through statewide engagement, and help shape what comes next.
During this interactive session, participants will:
- Learn about the journey so far: Hear an overview of the work that has gone into developing Minnesota’s children’s mental health System of Care, including key themes emerging from statewide engagement.
- Understand the System of Care approach: Explore what a coordinated System of Care means for Minnesota and how it can change the way children, youth, and families experience the system.
- Hear perspectives from across the system: Learn from state leaders, providers, and community partners about the opportunities and challenges they see in moving this work forward.
- Help prioritize what comes next: Engage in a collaborative discussion to identify the priorities that matter most and consider how partners across Minnesota can move from recommendations to action.
Why Your Voice Matters
Minnesota's children’s mental health system touches many different sectors—from schools and health care to behavioral health, child welfare, juvenile justice, community-based organizations, and family and youth supports. No single agency or organization can build a System of Care alone. This forum brings together people who experience the system from different perspectives to create a shared understanding of where we are headed and what it will take to get there.
Come prepared to learn, share your experience, and help shape the next phase of Minnesota’s children’s mental health System of Care.
Speakers
Tom Delaney — Minnesota Department of Education
Diane Neal — Minnesota Department of Human Services, Behavioral Health Administration
Mike Gallagher — Minnesota Department of Human Services, Behavioral Health Administration
Dr. LaDonna Butler — The Well MN
Kirsten Anderson — AspireMN
Catherine Diamond — Minnesota Department of Health
Katharine Alsop — Department of Children, Youth and Families
Facilitated by Brittany Wright — Governor’s Children’s Cabinet
To learn more about the statewide plan, view this overview video: Statewide Plan
We hope you’ll join us and lend your expertise to this important conversation.
We hope to see you there!
