Learning About Collaboratives

Collaboratives in Minnesota

The history of Collaboratives in Minnesota dates back more than three decades. In 1991, Governor Arne Carlson created the Action for Children Commission. This statewide task force, which included representation from nonprofit organizations, children’s advocacy groups, the business community, and government was formed to create a vision for Minnesota children and families.

Following publication of the Commission’s final report, “Kids Can’t Wait,” several initiatives were launched and Governor Carlson established the Children’s Cabinet at the Executive Branch level. Minnesota was selected as one of five states to compete for funding from the Pew Charitable Trust. This funding was intended to help communities consider how to provide more support for families by reconfiguring and integrating service delivery systems.
In 1993, the Minnesota Legislature provided funding to enable the state to reach more communities with these initiatives. These grant funds were intended to serve as incentives for communities to collaborate on behalf of children and families.

Children’s Mental Health Collaboratives were envisioned and created as an approach to:

Address the needs of children and youth faced with complex problems
Maximize results and resources by enhancing coordination and reducing duplication among systems
Involve communities, particularly families, in system redesign and implementation so their needs are effectively met

Children’s Mental Health Integrated Fund (Minnesota Statute 245.491 - 245.495)

Family Services Collaboratives strive to:

Improve outreach and early identification
Coordinate assessments and services across agencies
Integrate funding and resources.

Family Services and Community-Based Collaboratives (Minnesota Statute 124D.23)

There are currently 89 Children’s Mental Health and Family Services Collaboratives in Minnesota. BASC is designated as an integrated Family Service and Children’s Mental Health Collaborative.