Children’s Mental Health Services in the State of Minnesota
Purpose
The Children’s Mental Health (CMH) Directory is being developed in partnership with state/county to support coordination across children’s mental health programs and services. Its purpose is to identify the right state agency liaisons to better support county and tribal staff working with children with complex needs related mental health, disability, and foster care. The directory will live on PartnerLink as a shared reference tool to support leaders and staff across local and state government in Minnesota.
Children’s Mental Health (CMH) Liaisons
The Governor’s Children’s Cabinet, along with the Minnesota Departments of Human Services, Direct Care & Treatment, and Children, Youth, and Families, have identified key liaisons who serve as connection points for counties, tribes, and other state staff. These liaisons ensure clear communication and coordination across government systems related to children’s mental health.
Each liaison group is responsible for responding to emails they receive. If they are not the best contact for the issue, they will provide a warm handoff to the appropriate liaison.
In addition, several other state agencies have chosen to share their children’s mental health liaisons in this directory. This collective approach supports stronger connections and collaboration across local and state governments.
Liaison Directory Information and Structure
The Children’s Mental Health (CMH) Directory is a centralized resource developed collaboratively between state agencies and counties to support coordination across children’s mental health programs and services throughout Minnesota. Its primary purpose is to identify and connect the appropriate state agency liaisons who serve as key contacts for county and tribal staff working with children facing complex needs related to mental health, disability, and foster care. This directory is maintained as a shared reference tool on PartnerLink, facilitating improved communication and collaboration across local and state government.
The liaison structure comprises designated representatives from multiple state agencies, including the Departments of Human Services (DHS), Direct Care & Treatment (DCT), Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), and other partners. These liaisons act as critical communication conduits, ensuring clear information flow, problem resolution, and effective coordination across government systems involved in children's mental health. Each liaison group within DHS, DCT, and DCYF is responsible for managing inquiries within their areas of expertise and providing warm handoffs to appropriate contacts when necessary. Liaison groups from other state agencies adhere to the same standards.
The directory is organized by agency and administration, detailing the various program areas directly or indirectly related to children’s mental health. For example, within the Department of Human Services, administrations such as Behavioral Health, Aging and Disability Services, Health Care Administration, and Homelessness, Housing, and Support Services host liaisons focused on different aspects of children’s mental health services—from targeted case management and therapeutic services to housing supports and crisis interventions.
Each liaison entry includes contact names, shared email addresses, the scope of services, and the types of inquiries they can assist with, along with clear guidance on questions outside their scope to promote effective communication. This structure enables comprehensive system navigation, resource access, and cross-agency collaboration to enhance outcomes for children and families across Minnesota. The directory is updated at least quarterly, while shared email addresses remain consistent and are monitored by 2-3 designated staff to ensure timely responses regardless of staff turnover.
Liaison Directory Page Links
Department of Human Services Liaison Directory
Direct Care and Treatment Liaison Directory
Department of Children, Youth and Families Liaison Directory
MMB Children’s Cabinet Liaison Directory
Additional State Agencies Liaison Directory
CMH Liaison Directory Appendices
Questions, Feedback, Edits, and New Entries
For questions, feedback please use this form: CMH Liaison Directory - Questions and Feedback Form
To submit a new entry or edit an existing entry use this form: CMH Directory Entry and Edits Form
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