A focused initiative on how to improve collaboration between health services (specifically behavioral health) and schools to support the needs of youth at risk who are struggling with mental health, behavioral issues or coping skills.    The collaboration will support the development of a mental health professional (EH employee) and a CTSS worker to serve the youth of these organizations.    Services of the Mental Health Professional will include:

• traditional outpatient therapy
• individual care planning     
• group therapy 
• Education: professional development for teachers and youth education
• Champion of trauma sensitive schools

Services of the CTSS worker will include:

• Skill building 
• coping strategies
• psychotherapy (ind & group)
• classroom support
• parental collaboration (navigation of resources, care planning) 

Data from the Minnesota Student Survey from 2013-2019 shows that Frazee is the highest risk school district in Becker County for mental illness, hopelessness, suicidality and substance use.   The ALC does not complete the Minnesota Student Survey, but is know to serve at risk youth.   In addition, the Boys and Girls Club of Detroit Lakes serves many youth and does not have the resources as a school does to assist with behavioral, mental health or substance use issues.   Therefore,  expanding services is focused in these areas.   All youth will be able to be served despite ability to pay.    

This collaborative is sustainabile as it improves the ability to serve as the cost of services is split between agencies.   In addition, it will be impactful as it removes barriers such as requiring a diagnosis, transportation issues, lack of health insurance or ability to pay so that all youth have access to services as needed.   The plan anticipates that between 10-18 youth can be served daily per site location.