The Minnesota Department of Human Services (department) is establishing a pool of qualified individuals (QIs) to complete qualified residential treatment program (QRTP) assessments when county or tribal agencies recommend placement of children in facilities certified as QRTP (corporate foster homes, group homes, and residential treatment). Implementing a state-sponsored program supports county and tribal social service agencies in meeting this new Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) requirement.

Qualified individuals can be licensed clinicians, or community members specifically trained and certified to complete assessments of children. Department staff is contracting with qualified individuals who possess specialized knowledge of and lived experience within African American, Native American and communities of color. The department is pursuing contracts with individuals who may be employees or volunteers of community agencies, community elders, and other community members with child welfare experience, interested in training and certification as qualified individuals. For the initial phase, up to 30 contracts will be offered statewide.

Individuals interested in the department’s QI program are encouraged to attend information meetings scheduled for September 1 and 8, 2021. Individuals who may want to become a QI for a county or tribal social services agency are also encouraged to attend. Additional information sessions will be scheduled periodically until the end of the year. Dates and registration are on the department’s CounyLink website.