The State Advisory Council on Mental Health and the Subcommittee on Children's Mental Health are accepting applications for membership through Feb. 6.
The council and subcommittee advise the Governor and state departments on policies, programs and services affecting adults with mental illnesses and children with emotional disturbances. Each group consists of 30 members representing a variety of perspectives on the mental health system. Every two years, the council and subcommittee file a formal report of their recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. As a federally mandated council, the council also provides input on the state’s mental health system for the federal government. The council also assists in coordinating the work of local advisory councils.
Terms of membership are four years. The following positions are up for appointment:
State Advisory Council:
Three consumers of mental health services
Two family members of persons with mental illnesses
A parent of a child with an emotional disturbance
A representative of the discipline of psychology
A representative of the discipline of nursing
A metro county commissioner
Children’s Subcommittee:
Two parents of a child with an emotional disturbance
A person knowledgeable about the needs of children who have emotional disturbances of minority races and cultures
A hospital-based provider of children’s mental health services
A provider of mental health services for pre-adolescent children
A present or former consumer of adolescent mental health services
A rural county commissioner
A state legislator
Any Minnesotan is eligible for membership. Appointments to the State Advisory Council are made by the Governor; appointments to the Children’s Subcommittee are made by the State Advisory Council.
The council and subcommittee meet on the first Thursday of the month in St. Paul. In addition to reimbursement for travel, lodging, and meal expense, there is a per diem payment of $55 per meeting.
Applications are available the Secretary of State’s Office at http://www.sos.state.mn.us/, Open Commissions and Appointments. You may now apply online at http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?recordid=41&page=19.
Applications should be received by February 6.
If you have questions, contact Bruce Weinstock at Bruce.Weinstock@state.mn.us or 651-431-2249.
