Local Advisory Council

The Goal of Local Advisory Councils (LACs)

The goal of Local Advisory Councils (LACs) is to utilize the knowledge of diverse groups of individuals in order to improve mental health services for Minnesotans ~ LAC Guidebook, MN DHS

LAC Duties

• Identify Needs: Seek input from parents, individuals with lived experience, providers and others about the needs of children with emotional disturbances
• Coordinate: Between state mental health services and community-based mental health service providers
• Plan: To be involved in the development of the county and adult mental health initiative plans/applications/ mental health planning for children
• Inform: Identifies for the county board individuals and agencies who need to receive information about mental illness, where mental health services are available and how to access them
• Recommend: Provide the County Board with a report of unmet mental health needs at least annually
• Report: The LAC is to report its recommendations regarding the local mental health system to the State Advisory Council on Mental Health