2020 Minnesota Statutes

CHAPTER 256K. SERVICES FOR HOMELESS FAMILIES AND YOUTH

256K.01 [Repealed, 2002 c 220 art 16 s 3]

256K.015 [Repealed, 2002 c 220 art 16 s 3]

256K.02 [Repealed, 2002 c 220 art 16 s 3]

256K.03 [Repealed, 2002 c 220 art 16 s 3]

256K.04 [Repealed, 2002 c 220 art 16 s 3]

256K.05 [Repealed, 2002 c 220 art 16 s 3]

256K.06 [Repealed, 2002 c 220 art 16 s 3]

256K.07 [Repealed, 2002 c 220 art 16 s 3]

256K.08 [Repealed, 2002 c 220 art 16 s 3]

256K.09 [Repealed, 2002 c 220 art 16 s 3]

256K.25 [Repealed, 2008 c 361 art 5 s 4]

LONG-TERM HOMELESS SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

256K.26 LONG-TERM HOMELESS SUPPORTIVE SERVICES.

Subdivision 1.Establishment and purpose.

The commissioner shall establish the long-term homeless supportive services fund to provide integrated services needed to stabilize individuals, families, and youth living in supportive housing developed to further the goals set forth in Laws 2003, chapter 128, article 15, section 9.

Subd. 2.Implementation.

The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioners of the Department of Corrections and the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, counties, providers and funders of supportive housing and services, shall develop application requirements and make funds available according to this section, with the goal of providing maximum flexibility in program design.

Subd. 3.Definitions.

For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given:

(1) "long-term homelessness" means lacking a permanent place to live continuously for one year or more or at least four times in the past three years; and

(2) "household" means an individual, family, or unaccompanied minor experiencing long-term homelessness.

Subd. 4. Eligibility.

Counties and tribes are eligible for funding under this section. Priority will be given to proposals submitted on behalf of multicounty and tribal partnerships.

Subd. 5.Content of proposals.

Proposals will be evaluated on the extent to which they:

(1) include partnerships with providers of services or other partners;

(2) develop strategies to enhance housing stability for people experiencing long-term homelessness by integrating services and establishing consistent services and procedures across jurisdictions as appropriate;

(3) evidence a commitment to working with the commissioners of human services, corrections, and the Housing Finance Agency to identify appropriate households to be served under this section and serve households as defined in subdivision 3. The commissioner may also set criteria for serving people at significant risk of experiencing long-term homelessness, with a priority on serving families with minor children;

(4) ensure that projects make maximum use of mainstream resources, including employment, social, and health services, and leverage additional public and private resources in order to serve the maximum number of households;

(5) demonstrate cost-effectiveness by identifying and prioritizing those services most necessary for housing stability; and

(6) evaluate and report on outcomes of the projects according to protocols developed by the commissioner of human services in cooperation with the commissioners of corrections and the Housing Finance Agency. Evaluation would include methods for determining the quality of the integrated service approach, improvement in outcomes, cost savings, or reduction in service disparities that may result.

Subd. 6.Outcomes.

Projects will be selected to further the following outcomes:

(1) reduce the number of Minnesota individuals and families that experience long-term homelessness;

(2) increase the number of housing opportunities with supportive services;

(3) develop integrated, cost-effective service models that address the multiple barriers to obtaining housing stability faced by people experiencing long-term homelessness, including abuse, neglect, chemical dependency, disability, chronic health problems, or other factors including ethnicity and race that may result in poor outcomes or service disparities;

(4) encourage partnerships among counties, community agencies, schools, and other providers so that the service delivery system is seamless for people experiencing long-term homelessness;

(5) increase employability, self-sufficiency, and other social outcomes for individuals and families experiencing long-term homelessness; and

(6) reduce inappropriate use of emergency health care, shelter, chemical dependency, foster care, child protection, corrections, and similar services used by people experiencing long-term homelessness.

Subd. 7.Eligible services.

Services eligible for funding under this section are all services needed to maintain households in permanent supportive housing, as determined by the county or counties administering the project or projects.

Subd. 8.Families experiencing long-term homelessness.

The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioners of housing finance and corrections, shall assess whether the definition of long-term homelessness impacts the ability of families with minor children experiencing homelessness to obtain services necessary to support housing stability.

History:

1Sp2005 c 4 art 3 s 16; 2014 c 291 art 11 s 34

256K.30 [Repealed, 1Sp2003 c 14 art 1 s 107]

256K.35 [Repealed, 2014 c 262 art 1 s 12]

HOMELESS YOUTH ACT

256K.45 HOMELESS YOUTH ACT.

Subdivision 1.Grant program established.

The commissioner of human services shall establish a Homeless Youth Act fund and award grants to providers who are committed to serving homeless youth and youth at risk of homelessness, to provide street and community outreach and drop-in programs, emergency shelter programs, and integrated supportive housing and transitional living programs, consistent with the program descriptions in this section to reduce the incidence of homelessness among youth.

Subd. 1a.Definitions.

(a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.

(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of human services.

(c) "Homeless youth" means a person 24 years of age or younger who is unaccompanied by a parent or guardian and is without shelter where appropriate care and supervision are available, whose parent or legal guardian is unable or unwilling to provide shelter and care, or who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The following are not fixed, regular, or adequate nighttime residences:

(1) a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations;

(2) an institution or a publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations;

(3) transitional housing;

(4) a temporary placement with a peer, friend, or family member that has not offered permanent residence, a residential lease, or temporary lodging for more than 30 days; or

(5) a public or private place not designed for, nor ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.

Homeless youth does not include persons incarcerated or otherwise detained under federal or state law.

(d) "Youth at risk of homelessness" means a person 24 years of age or younger whose status or circumstances indicate a significant danger of experiencing homelessness in the near future. Status or circumstances that indicate a significant danger may include: (1) youth exiting out-of-home placements; (2) youth who previously were homeless; (3) youth whose parents or primary caregivers are or were previously homeless; (4) youth who are exposed to abuse and neglect in their homes; (5) youth who experience conflict with parents due to chemical or alcohol dependency, mental health disabilities, or other disabilities; and (6) runaways.

(e) "Runaway" means an unmarried child under the age of 18 years who is absent from the home of a parent or guardian or other lawful placement without the consent of the parent, guardian, or lawful custodian.

Subd. 2.Homeless youth report.

The commissioner shall prepare a biennial report, beginning in February 2015, which provides meaningful information to the legislative committees having jurisdiction over the issue of homeless youth, that includes, but is not limited to: (1) a list of the areas of the state with the greatest need for services and housing for homeless youth, and the level and nature of the needs identified; (2) details about grants made, including shelter-linked youth mental health grants under section 256K.46; (3) the distribution of funds throughout the state based on population need; (4) follow-up information, if available, on the status of homeless youth and whether they have stable housing two years after services are provided; and (5) any other outcomes for populations served to determine the effectiveness of the programs and use of funding.

Subd. 3.Street and community outreach and drop-in program.

Youth drop-in centers must provide walk-in access to crisis intervention and ongoing supportive services including one-to-one case management services on a self-referral basis. Street and community outreach programs must locate, contact, and provide information, referrals, and services to homeless youth, youth at risk of homelessness, and runaways. Information, referrals, and services provided may include, but are not limited to:

(1) family reunification services;

(2) conflict resolution or mediation counseling;

(3) assistance in obtaining temporary emergency shelter;

(4) assistance in obtaining food, clothing, medical care, or mental health counseling;

(5) counseling regarding violence, sexual exploitation, substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy;

(6) referrals to other agencies that provide support services to homeless youth, youth at risk of homelessness, and runaways;

(7) assistance with education, employment, and independent living skills;

(8) aftercare services;

(9) specialized services for highly vulnerable runaways and homeless youth, including teen parents, emotionally disturbed and mentally ill youth, and sexually exploited youth; and

(10) homelessness prevention.

Subd. 4.Emergency shelter program.

(a) Emergency shelter programs must provide homeless youth and runaways with referral and walk-in access to emergency, short-term residential care. The program shall provide homeless youth and runaways with safe, dignified shelter, including private shower facilities, beds, and at least one meal each day; and shall assist a runaway and homeless youth with reunification with the family or legal guardian when required or appropriate.

(b) The services provided at emergency shelters may include, but are not limited to:

(1) family reunification services;

(2) individual, family, and group counseling;

(3) assistance obtaining clothing;

(4) access to medical and dental care and mental health counseling;

(5) education and employment services;

(6) recreational activities;

(7) advocacy and referral services;

(8) independent living skills training;

(9) aftercare and follow-up services;

(10) transportation; and

(11) homelessness prevention.

Subd. 5.Supportive housing and transitional living programs.

Transitional living programs must help homeless youth and youth at risk of homelessness to find and maintain safe, dignified housing. The program may also provide rental assistance and related supportive services, or refer youth to other organizations or agencies that provide such services. Services provided may include, but are not limited to:

(1) educational assessment and referrals to educational programs;

(2) career planning, employment, work skill training, and independent living skills training;

(3) job placement;

(4) budgeting and money management;

(5) assistance in securing housing appropriate to needs and income;

(6) counseling regarding violence, sexual exploitation, substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy;

(7) referral for medical services or chemical dependency treatment;

(8) parenting skills;

(9) self-sufficiency support services or life skill training;

(10) aftercare and follow-up services; and

(11) homelessness prevention.

Subd. 6.Funding.

Funds appropriated for this section may be expended on programs described under subdivisions 3 to 5, technical assistance, and capacity building to meet the greatest need on a statewide basis. The commissioner will provide outreach, technical assistance, and program development support to increase capacity to new and existing service providers to better meet needs statewide, particularly in areas where services for homeless youth have not been established, especially in greater Minnesota.

History:

2006 c 264 s 13; 2007 c 147 art 2 s 49; 2013 c 108 art 3 s 33; 2015 c 71 art 1 s 44,45; 1Sp2019 c 9 art 6 s 71

256K.451 MINOR CONSENT TO HOMELESS AND SEXUALLY EXPLOITED YOUTH SERVICES.

A minor living separately from the minor's parent or legal guardian may give consent to receive homeless youth services and services for sexually exploited youth. A minor's consent to receive services does not affect a parent or legal guardian's custody of the minor.

History:

1Sp2020 c 2 art 5 s 59

256K.46 SHELTER-LINKED YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH GRANT PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.Establishment and authority.

(a) The commissioner shall award grants to provide mental health services to homeless or sexually exploited youth. To be eligible, housing providers must partner with community-based mental health practitioners to provide a continuum of mental health services, including short-term crisis response, support for youth in longer-term housing settings, and ongoing relationships to support youth in other housing arrangements in the community for homeless or sexually exploited youth.

(b) The commissioner shall consult with the commissioner of management and budget to identify evidence-based mental health services for youth and give priority in awarding grants to proposals that include evidence-based mental health services for youth.

(c) The commissioner may make two-year grants under this section.

(d) Money appropriated for this section must be expended on activities described under subdivision 4, technical assistance, and capacity building to meet the greatest need on a statewide basis. The commissioner shall provide outreach, technical assistance, and program development support to increase capacity of new and existing service providers to better meet needs statewide, particularly in areas where shelter-linked youth mental health services have not been established, especially in greater Minnesota.

Subd. 2.Definitions.

(a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.

(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of human services, unless otherwise indicated.

(c) "Housing provider" means a shelter, housing program, or other entity providing services under the Homeless Youth Act in section 256K.45 and the Safe Harbor for Sexually Exploited Youth Act in section 145.4716.

(d) "Mental health practitioner" has the meaning given in section 245.462, subdivision 17.

(e) "Youth" has the meanings given for "homeless youth," "youth at risk for homelessness," and "runaway" in section 256K.45, subdivision 1a, "sexually exploited youth" in section 260C.007, subdivision 31, and "youth eligible for services" in section 145.4716, subdivision 3.

Subd. 3.Eligibility.

An eligible applicant for shelter-linked youth mental health grants under subdivision 1 is a housing provider that:

(1) demonstrates that the provider received targeted trauma training focused on sexual exploitation and adolescent experiences of homelessness; and

(2) partners with a community-based mental health practitioner who has demonstrated experience or access to training regarding adolescent development and trauma-informed responses.

Subd. 4.Allowable grant activities.

(a) Grant recipients may conduct the following activities with community-based mental health practitioners:

(1) develop programming to prepare youth to receive mental health services;

(2) provide on-site mental health services, including group skills and therapy sessions. Grant recipients are encouraged to use evidence-based mental health services;

(3) provide mental health case management, as defined in section 256B.0625, subdivision 20; and

(4) consult, train, and educate housing provider staff regarding mental health. Grant recipients are encouraged to provide staff with access to a mental health crisis line 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

(b) Only after promoting and assisting participants with obtaining health insurance coverage for which the participant is eligible, and only after mental health practitioners bill covered services to medical assistance or health plan companies, grant recipients may use grant funds to fill gaps in insurance coverage for mental health services.

(c) Grant funds may be used for purchasing equipment, connection charges, on-site coordination, set-up fees, and site fees to deliver shelter-linked youth mental health services defined in this subdivision via telemedicine consistent with section 256B.0625, subdivision 3b.

Subd. 5.Reporting.

Grant recipients shall report annually on the use of shelter-linked youth mental health grants to the commissioner by December 31, beginning in 2020. Each report shall include the name and location of the grant recipient, the amount of each grant, the youth mental health services provided, and the number of youth receiving services. The commissioner shall determine the form required for the reports and may specify additional reporting requirements. The commissioner shall include the shelter-linked youth mental health services program in the biennial report required under section 256K.45, subdivision 2.

History:

1Sp2019 c 9 art 6 s 72