Behavioral health workforce shortage
Summary
Group home staff earn wages in the high teens per hour for dangerous work, and providers face rising insurance costs. Commissioners warned that without action, more providers will exit the field over the next five to ten years.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jul 28, 2026.
Impact analysis
No county cost — a $265,000 grant covers the training period through May 2028.
Ramsey County youth and families who interact with county services, plus the staff who serve them.
Clients lose placement options and staff face unsafe, underpaid conditions.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Board Workshop / Discussion — July 28, 2026
Ramsey County struggles to keep new employees past their first year — current new-hire retention is around 70%. Replacing an employee can cost up to $60,000, so better onboarding, supervisor training, and performance management could save money and improve the services residents get.
Board of Commissioners — June 16, 2026
A $265,000 state grant will train county staff and community providers to better identify and treat mental health issues in youth — from pre-K through young adulthood — with monthly trainings and case consultation for nearly two years.
Board Workshop / Discussion — May 5, 2026
Group home staff earn wages in the high teens per hour for dangerous work, and providers face rising insurance costs. Commissioners warned that without action, more providers will exit the field over the next five to ten years.
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