STARS Care Coordination
There are many services available for children with mental health needs. Unfortunately, those services are often not coordinated between providers. The services may not meet the needs of children and their families, or the services are unknown or inaccessible to the families who need them. Many times, families may wait for months to get an assessment.
STARS is working to change those problems by networking area providers, linking agency services and filling gaps in the children’s mental health system. By networking partners within our system of care, STARS provides children and families direction and guidance through the children’s mental health system — Care Coordination is one way STARS is doing this.
What does a Care Coordinator do?
Care Coordinators contact referred families to assess the child’s and family’s needs and eligibility. The Care Coordinator then assists eligible families with developing an individualized plan based on a comprehensive assessment of strengths and needs; this will involve collaboration with formal and informal community resources. For two to three months, the Care Coordinator will provide information to the family on how to coordinate their child's care and to be an effective advocate.
Who is eligible?
Families with a child/adolescent (0-17 years) identified as having a serious mental health challenge that puts them at risk for hospitalization or out of home treatment and young adults (18-21 years) in need of transitional services due to a mental health diagnosis.
What is the cost?
Care coordination services are free. If assessments, referrals or other services are necessary the Care Coordinator will help you work with funding sources such as private insurance, medical assistance, etc.
Who are the STARS Care Coordinators?
Currently, STARS has three care coordinators serving the four-county area. Andrea Danielson works with children and families in Benton and Stearns counties. Barb Bishop works with children and families in Sherburne and Wright counties. Abdi Ahmed works with refugee families dealing with children's mental health issues in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns and Wright counties. As the STARS network continues to grow, more and more STARS care coordinators will be able to help children and families throughout the four-county area.
 How do I access services or refer someone?
If you are referring a family from Benton or Stearns County, please call the St. Cloud Central Minnesota Mental Health Center at (320) 252-5010 and ask for Andrea Danielson, STARS Care Coordinator.
If you are referring a family from a refugee community, please call Catholic Charities at (320) 650-1660 and ask for Abdi Ahmed, Bulsha Wada/Community Guide.
Forms
Flexible Funds Policies and Procedures
Wraparound Flex Fund Expenditure
Authorization for Reimbursement for Clinical Services
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