Early Case Management/
Early Neutral Evaluation

Early Case Management (ECM) is the early involvement of a judicial officer in dissolution and custody cases with the purpose of aiding in the case’s earlier resolution.  Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) is a confidential, voluntary, evaluative process designed to facilitate prompt dispute resolution in custody, parenting time (visitation), and financial matters.

How does Early Case Management (ECM) Work?The fair and efficient administration of justice requires that all cases in family court receive timely attention. This requires the judicial system to handle cases expeditiously and with consistency, fairness and sound decisions.
  • Early Case Management (ECM): The court manages the process and disposition of the cases before it. The ECM approach uses aggressive case management timing by establishing judicial intervention in dissolution and custody cases within three to four weeks of filing.
  • Initial Case Management Conference (ICMC): The initial meeting with the judicial officer is called an Initial Case Management Conference (ICMC). The judicial officer's involvement soon after the filing encourages the parties and their attorneys (if represented) to focus on resolving and narrowing the contested issues that are barriers to settlement.
  • Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE): ENE is a confidential, voluntary, evaluative process designed to facilitate prompt dispute resolution in custody, parenting time (visitation), and financial matters. The program offers the evaluative impressions of experienced professionals to parties engaged in custody, parenting time, and financial disputes. Feedback is provided to parties and their attorneys based on case presentations and a limited amount of information gathering. The ENE process is typically completed within one month. A party may choose to end the ENE session at any time.
Judicial Council Policies regarding ECM and ENE:
The early involvement of a judicial officer in a case to help narrow the issues, to offer alternatives to the litigants, and to control and track a case with the purpose of aiding in the case’s earlier resolution.

The intervention of the judicial officer early in the process is a key component to engaging the parties in communication that will help them reach a resolution.  The purpose of the ICMC is to:

  • Establish the court's control of the progress of the case;
  • Provide early intervention by the court;
  • Offer Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) processes;
  • Establish discovery limitations and deadlines;
  • Discuss settlement progress and opportunities for settlement; and,
  • Assign a date for the future conferences, if needed.

Within 30 days of initial filing the court schedules the parties for what is called an Initial Case Management Conference (ICMC). Parties will be sent a ICMC Data Sheet. This form needs to be filled out and returned to the court prior to the scheduled date. This hearing is mandatory. If you are represented by an attorney, your attorney needs to be present. At the ICMC, all involved parties will meet with the judicial officer. Here, the judicial officer will talk with you about what the issues and concerns impeding or stopping you from coming to an agreement. The judicial officer will discuss with you your various options which will allow your case to continue through the court process with little or no delay.

For more information to help you prepare for your ICMC, watch the video on the Resources Tab on this page.

An Initial Motion Management Conference is part of the process in managing a case's return to court after the Court has already issued an original Judgment and Decree or original Order for Custody or Paternity.  It involves the managing of the progression of the motion filed when a case returns to the court.  The intervention of the judicial officer early in the process is a key component to engaging the parties in communication that will help them reach a resolution.  The purpose of the IMMC is to:

  • Establish the court's control of the progress of the motion;
  • Provide early intervention by the court;
  • Offer Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) processes;
  • Establish discovery limitations and deadlines;
  • Discuss settlement progress and opportunities for settlement; and,
  • Assign a date for the future conferences, if needed.

Each county determines the process for scheduling an Initial Motion Management Conference (IMMC), but it is usually scheduled within 30 days of the court administrator being notified that a motion will be filed or the filing of a motion. Parties will be sent a IMMC Data Sheet. This form needs to be filled out and returned to the court prior to the scheduled date. This hearing is mandatory. If you are represented by an attorney, your attorney needs to be present. At the IMMC, all involved parties will meet with the judicial officer. Here, the judicial officer will talk with you about what the issues and concerns impeding or stopping you from coming to an agreement. The judicial officer will discuss with you your various options which will allow your case to continue through the court process with little or no delay.

An IMMC is similar to an Initial Case Management Conference (ICMC). For more information to help you prepare for your IMMC, watch the video on ICMCs the Resources Tab on this page.

Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) strives to move families through court efficiently and inexpensively by working with them early on to reach agreements that will foster the best interests of their families. ENE helps parties focus on the critical issues they face in a confidential, non-confrontational, and settlement-oriented alternative dispute resolution program.

In ENE, parties and their attorneys attend an ENE session with experienced evaluator(s). Each side presents its view. The evaluator(s) discuss the case alone and then share their perspective on the merits of each position. Evaluator(s) identify the key issues and predict how the case is most likely to conclude. The parties are always able to confer with their attorneys and discuss settlement. Sometimes additional meetings are scheduled.

Issues related to custody or parenting time take part in Social ENE (SENE). In those cases a two person male/female team of evaluators will work on the case. If the issues relate to financial issues, then a Financial ENE (FENE) with a single evaluator, is used. In either type of ENE, evaluators are highly experienced professionals who have also been formally trained to help resolve cases in the ENE program.
 
Over half of the cases settle during the first session and over three-fourths reach at least some agreement. Absent full resolution, the team advises the assigned judge about areas of agreement, additional needed services and how to focus future assistance on the most relevant issues.
 
The parties pay for the costs of ENE according to a financial or social Sliding Fee Schedule. Most who participate in ENE will save a considerable amount of time and money versus contentious litigation in a traditional court setting. ENE is, on average, fully concluded within 90 days. A full determination in a traditional court setting can easily take more than a full year's time.

A Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE) is an ENE that focuses solely on financial issues such as child support, spousal support, dividing marital property, debts, and retirement plans, etc.
A Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE) is an ENE that focuses on the needs of the child(ren) in the relationship.  It can address custody, parenting time, and other needs of the child(ren).  It could also address other non-financial issues between the parties if there are any.
For more information on ECM/ENE in your county, use the dropdown menu on the County Information Tab on this page.
Check out the provider rosters for your county by locating your county through the dropdown menu on the County Information Tab on this page.
Check out the information for Prospective Providers and information about the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) on the Provider Information Tab on this page.
Check out the information on Initial ENE Training on the Provider Training Tab on this page.
In 2007, the State Justice Institute (SJI) awarded the Minnesota Judicial Branch a State Court grant to help implement the Third/Fifth Judicial Districts' Early Case Management/Early Neutral Evaluation (ECM/ENE) pilot project and support expansion of ECM/ENE. Click here to view the SJI Final Report. The report appendices are available upon request.
Yes, in 2009, the Harvard Kennedy School Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation named Minnesota's Early Neutral Evaluation initiative in Hennepin County as one of the Top 50 Government Innovations.
An administrative order signed by Chief Justice Kathleen Blatz authorized the establishment of family court early case management pilot projects in 2004.
County Program InformationMap showing counties using ICMC, SENE, and FENE  - Updated June 2018

Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the Provider Rosters and Provider Availability for most counties. The Quick Reference Guide for Using PASS may help you search. Do not log in or create an account to search for providers and their availability in PASS.

Beginning August 1, 2021, unless otherwise ordered, Parent Education must begin prior to the Initial Case Management Conference.

Please select your county from the list below.

Aitkin (Ninth District)

Aitkin County uses Initial Case Management Conferences but not court-sponsored Early Neutral Evaluations. For more information on Aitkin County's Early Case Management (ECM) Program, please contact Aitkin County Court Administration at (218) 927-7350.

ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters. Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county. Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.

Email the ENE/ECM program »

Anoka (Tenth District)

In Anoka County, all new relevant family law cases are scheduled for an Initial Case Management Conference (ICMC) and enter the Early Case Management process with access to Early Neutral Evaluations. Anoka County uses the Provider Availability and Scheduling System  (PASS) to schedule ENEs during ICMCs.

Moderated Settlement Conferences (MSCs) are available in Anoka County in cases that have not settled that are already close to their trial date. The MSC Roster is available in PASS.

Program Description (ENE)
Program Description (MSC)


Resources

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Becker (Seventh District)

Becker County does not have a court-sponsored Early Case Management (ECM) or Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) Program. However, ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters. Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county. Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.
 

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Beltrami (Ninth District)

Beltrami County does not have a court-sponsored ECM or ENE Program. However, ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters. Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county. Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.

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Benton (Seventh District)

Benton County does not have a court-sponsored ECM or ENE Program. However, ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program.  ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters. Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county.  Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.

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Big Stone (Eighth District)

Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search Big Stone County's ENE rosters.


Resources

For information specific to Big Stone County, please contact Big Stone Court Administration at (320) 839-2536.

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Carlton (Sixth District)

Resources

The lead judge for the Sixth Judicial District is the Hon. Sally Tarnowski who may be reached through her Court Reporter, Jenna Palumbo, at (218) 221-7683.

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Carver (First District)

Carver County uses the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) in Initial Case Management Conferences. Parties may preview rosters and provider schedules using the links below. If parties opt into Early Neutral Evaluations, the Social Early Neutral Evaluator (SENE) or Financial Early Neutral Evaluator (FENE) providers will be selected and the date, time, and location of the SENE or FENE will be scheduled in the courtroom during the ICMC. Please bring your calendars with you to the Initial Case Management Conference (ICMC).


Remote Expedited Temporary Relief (RETR) in Family Cases

All counties in the 1st Judicial District will be participating in the Remote Expedited Temporary Relief (RETR) Program. RETR is a temporary program to facilitate case management during the COVID-19 Emergency. RETR is a Minn. R. Gen. Prac. 114.02(a) (10) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.    
 
This program permits the parties to retain a third party to provide binding ADR services to resolve temporary relief issues in family cases.  The process is truncated in at least three ways: volume of submissions, time limits on the process, and deadlines.  RETR follows the Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE)/ Moderated Settlement Conferences (MSC) model for fees and includes a four hour flat fee rate charged by the ADR provider. To participate review RETR program information and file Stipulation and Order for RETR.

 

Resources

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Cass (Ninth District)

Cass County does not have a court-sponsored ECM or ENE Program.  However, ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program.  Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county.  Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.  Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters.  Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.

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Chippewa (Eighth District)

Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search Chippewa County's ENE rosters.


Resources

For information specific to Chippewa County, please contact Chippewa County Court Administration at (320) 269-7774.

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Clay (Seventh District)

Program Description

Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search Clay County's ENE Provider Rosters.  Clay County uses the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to schedule ENEs during ICMCs.
 

Resources

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Clearwater (Ninth District)

Clearwater County uses Initial Case Management Conferences (ICMC) but not court-sponsored Early Neutral Evaluations. For more information on Clearwater County's Early Case Management (ECM) Program, please contact Clearwater County Court Administration at (218) 694-6177.

ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters. Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county. Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.

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Crow Wing (Ninth District)

Crow Wing County uses Initial Case Management Conferences (ICMC) but not court-sponsored Early Neutral Evaluations. For more information on Crow Wing County's Early Case Management (ECM) Program, please contact Crow Wing County Court Administration at (218) 824-1310.

ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters. Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county. Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.

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Dakota (First District)

Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search Dakota County's ENE Provider Rosters. Dakota houses its rosters in PASS but does not use PASS for scheduling.


Remote Expedited Temporary Relief (RETR) in Family Cases

All counties in the 1st Judicial District will be participating in the Remote Expedited Temporary Relief (RETR) Program. RETR is a temporary program to facilitate case management during the COVID-19 Emergency. RETR is a Minn. R. Gen. Prac. 114.02(a) (10) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.    
 
This program permits the parties to retain a third party to provide binding ADR services to resolve temporary relief issues in family cases.  The process is truncated in at least three ways: volume of submissions, time limits on the process, and deadlines. RETR follows the Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE)/ Moderated Settlement Conferences (MSC) model for fees and includes a four hour flat fee rate charged by the ADR provider. To participate review RETR program information and file Stipulation and Order for RETR.


Resources

Dakota County has a Moderated Settlement Conference (MSC) Program.
 
  • Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search Dakota's MSC Roster.
  • MSC Fees

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Dodge (Third District)

Use the Provider Availability and Resource System (PASS) to search Dodge County's ENE rosters.


Resources

For more information on the Dodge County Program please contact Dodge County Court Administration at (507) 635-6260.
 

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Douglas (Seventh District)

Douglas County does not have a court-sponsored ECM or ENE Program. However, ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters. Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county. Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.

Email the ENE/ECM program »

Fillmore (Third District)

Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search Fillmore County's ENE rosters.

Resources

For more information on Fillmore County's ECM/ENE Program, contact Fillmore County Court Administration at (507) 765-3356.
 

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Freeborn (Third District)

Freeborn County does not have a court-sponsored ECM or ENE Program. However, ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county. Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.

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Goodhue (First District)

All new relevant family law cases in Goodhue County are scheduled for an Initial Case Management Conference (ICMC) and enter the Early Case Management (ECM) process with access to Early Neutral Evaluations (ENE). All Post-Decree and Post-Custody or Post-Paternity Determination Motions are included in the ECM process and scheduled for an Initial Motion Management Conference (IMMC). ICMCs and IMMCs are scheduled for Friday mornings. Goodhue County uses the Provider Availability and Scheduling System to schedule ENEs during ICMCs and IMMCs.
 

Remote Expedited Temporary Relief (RETR) in Family Cases

All counties in the 1st Judicial District will be participating in the Remote Expedited Temporary Relief (RETR) Program. RETR is a temporary program to facilitate case management during the COVID-19 Emergency. RETR is a Minn. R. Gen. Prac. 114.02(a) (10) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.    
 
This program permits the parties to retain a third party to provide binding ADR services to resolve temporary relief issues in family cases.  The process is truncated in at least three ways: volume of submissions, time limits on the process, and deadlines. RETR follows the Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE)/ Moderated Settlement Conferences (MSC) model for fees and includes a four hour flat fee rate charged by the ADR provider. To participate review RETR program information and file Stipulation and Order for RETR.
 

Resources

Goodhue Standing Order for ECM (amended February 6, 2020)
Goodhue ECM Timelines and Continuance Requests (updated May 2022)
Goodhue ENE Fees
Goodhue ICMC/ENE Program Description
Goodhue IMMC/ENE Program Description
IMMC/ENE Program Process Flow Chart (updated January 2020)
Goodhue ICMC Data Sheet
Goodhue IMMC Data Sheet
Statement of Assets and Liabilities for Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE)

For information on Goodhue County's programs, please contact the Court Administration at (651) 267-4800.

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Grant (Eighth District)

Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search Grant County's ENE rosters.


Resources

For information specific to Grant County, please contact Grant County Court Administration at (218) 685-8282.

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Hennepin (Fourth District)

Hennepin County does not use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS).  Hennepin County provides Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE) through its Family Court Services Program and Financial Early Neutral Evaluations (FENE) through its FENE Program.  For those who do not wish to wait for an SENE session through Family Court Services, there is a semi-private, Non-Family Court Services SENE program.

Resources

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Houston (Third District)

For more information on the Houston County's Initial Case Management Conferences (ICMC), please contact Houston County Court Administration at (507) 725-5806.

ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters.  Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county.  Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.
 

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Hubbard (Ninth District)

Hubbard County uses Initial Case Management Conferences (ICMC) but not court-sponsored Early Neutral Evaluations.  For more information on Hubbard County's Early Case Management (ECM) Program, please contact Hubbard County Court Administration at (218) 732-5286.

ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program.  Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters.  Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county.  Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.

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Itasca (Ninth District)

Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search Itasca County's ENE Provider Rosters.


Resources

Listed below are forms that are designed to assist you in becoming more familiar with the Itasca County ENE Program. The Initial Case Management Conference (ICMC) Data Sheet is a form that must be completed, provided to the court and served on the other party at least five (5) business days before your scheduled ICMC. The ICMC Data Sheet should be mailed or hand delivered to the court but not e-filed. The other forms contain more detailed information about ENE.   For additional information, contacts Itasca County Court Administration at (218) 327-2870.

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Jackson (Fifth District)

Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the Provider Rosters and Provider Availability.  
 

Resources

For more information on the Fifth Judicial District ENE program please contact Ruth Harms, Fifth District ENE and Collaborative Resource Coordinator.

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Kandiyohi (Eighth District)

Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search Kandiyohi County's ENE rosters.


Resources

For information specific to Kandiyohi County, please contact Kandiyohi County Court Administration at (320) 231-6206.

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Kittson (Ninth District)

Kittson County uses Initial Case Management Conferences (ICMC) but not court-sponsored Early Neutral Evaluations. For more information on Kittson County's Early Case Management (ECM) Program, please contact Kittson County Court Administration at (218) 843-3632.

However, ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program.  Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters.  Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county.  Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.

The Initial Case Conference Data Sheet is a form that must be completed, provided to the court and served on the other party at least two (2) business days before your scheduled ICMC.  The ICMC Data Sheet should be mailed or hand delivered to the court but not e-filed. 

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Koochiching (Ninth District)

Koochiching County launched their new Early Case Management (ECM)/Early Motion Management (EMM) and Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) programs on August 1, 2021.

Initial Case Management Conferences, Initial Motion Management Conferences, and ENE Status Conferences are scheduled on Wednesday afternoons in Koochiching County.
 
Resources for the program are available below.
 

Resources

Koochiching Order Authorizing ECM/EMM
Koochiching County Continuances Policy and Timelines
Koochiching Early Motion Management Flowchart
Koochiching ICMC Data Sheet (Word Version)
Koochiching IMMC Data Sheet (Word Version)
Koochiching County Request to Waive ICMC (Word Version) (both parties must be represented)
Koochiching County Request to Waive IMMC (Word Version) (both parties must be represented)
Koochiching County ENE Fees
Koochiching ICMC/ENE Program Description
Koochiching IMMC/ENE Program Description
Statement of Assets and Liabilities for Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE) (Word Version)

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Lac Qui Parle (Eighth District)

Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search Lac Qui Parle County's ENE rosters.


Resources

For information specific to Lac Qui Parle County, please contact Lac Qui Parle County Court Administration at (320) 295-4000.

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Lake of the Woods (Ninth District)

Lake of the Woods County uses Initial Case Management Conferences but not court-sponsored Early Neutral Evaluations. For more information on Lake of the Woods County's Early Case Management (ECM) Program, please contact Lake of the Woods County Court Administration at (218) 634-1451.

ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters. Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county.  Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.

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Le Sueur (First District)

Le Sueur County does not have a court-sponsored ECM or ENE Program. However, ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters. Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county. Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.
 

Remote Expedited Temporary Relief (RETR) in Family Cases

All counties in the 1st Judicial District will be participating in the Remote Expedited Temporary Relief (RETR) Program. RETR is a temporary program to facilitate case management during the COVID-19 Emergency. RETR is a Minn. R. Gen. Prac. 114.02(a) (10) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.    
 
This program permits the parties to retain a third party to provide binding ADR services to resolve temporary relief issues in family cases. The process is truncated in at least three ways: volume of submissions, time limits on the process, and deadlines. RETR follows the Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE)/ Moderated Settlement Conferences (MSC) model for fees and includes a four hour flat fee rate charged by the ADR provider. To participate review RETR program information and file Stipulation and Order for RETR.
 

Email the ENE/ECM program »

Lincoln (Fifth District)

Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the Provider Rosters and Provider Availability.  
 

Resources

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Mahnomen (Ninth District)

Mahnomen County uses Initial Case Management Conferences but not court-sponsored Early Neutral Evaluations.  For more information on Mahnomen County's Early Case Management (ECM) Program, please contact Mahnomen County Court Administration at (218) 935-2251.

ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters. Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county. Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.

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Marshall (Ninth District)

Marshall County uses Initial Case Management Conferences but not court-sponsored Early Neutral Evaluations. For more information on Marshall County's Early Case Management (ECM) Program, please contact Marshall County Court Administration at (218) 745-4921.

ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters. Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county. Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.
 

Resources

The Initial Case Conference (ICMC) Data Sheet is a form that must be completed, provided to the court and served on the other party at least two (2) business days before your scheduled ICMC.  The ICMC Data Sheet should be mailed or hand delivered to the court but not e-filed. 
 

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McLeod (First District)

Program Description (Printable Program Brochure)

Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the McLeod ENE rosters.

Remote Expedited Temporary Relief (RETR) in Family Cases

All counties in the 1st Judicial District will be participating in the Remote Expedited Temporary Relief (RETR) Program. RETR is a temporary program to facilitate case management during the COVID-19 Emergency. RETR is a Minn. R. Gen. Prac. 114.02(a) (10) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.    
 
This program permits the parties to retain a third party to provide binding ADR services to resolve temporary relief issues in family cases. The process is truncated in at least three ways: volume of submissions, time limits on the process, and deadlines. RETR follows the Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE)/ Moderated Settlement Conferences (MSC) model for fees and includes a four hour flat fee rate charged by the ADR provider. To participate review RETR program information and file Stipulation and Order for RETR.

Resources

For information on the McLeod-Sibley Combined ENE Program please contact court administration, (320) 864-1281.

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Meeker (Eighth District)

Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search Meeker County's ENE rosters.


Resources

For information specific to Meeker County, please contact Meeker County Court Administration at (320) 693-5230.

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Mille Lacs (Seventh District)

Mille Lacs County does not have a court-sponsored ECM or ENE Program. However, ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters. Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services. Equal Access ENE Providers have agreed to travel to Mille Lacs county for ENE sessions, do not charge travel fees, and use the Equal Access fee scales.

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Morrison (Seventh District)

Morrison County does not have a court-sponsored ECM or ENE Program. However, ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters. Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county. Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.

Email the ENE/ECM program »

Mower (Third District)

Mower County does not have a court-sponsored ECM or ENE Program. However, ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters. Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county. Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.

Email the ENE/ECM program »

Norman (Ninth District)

Norman County uses Initial Case Management Conferences but not court-sponsored Early Neutral Evaluations. For more information on Norman County's Early Case Management (ECM) Program, please contact Norman County Court Administration at (218) 784-5458.

ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters. Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county.  Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.

Email the ENE/ECM program »

Olmsted (Third District)

In Olmsted, all relevant new family law cases are scheduled for an Initial Case Management Conference (ICMC) and enter the Early Case Management (ECM) process with access to Early Neutral Evaluations (ENEs). All post-decree and post-custody/post-paternity determination motions are included in the Post-Judgment Case Management (PJCM) pilot program and scheduled for a Post-Judgment Case Management Telephone Conference.
 

Early Case Management (ECM) Resources

These resources are designed to assist you in becoming more familiar with the Olmsted County Early Neutral Case Management Program (ECM). The ICMC Data Sheet is a form that must be completed and delivered to the court before the Initial Case Management Conference (ICMC).  It should not be filed or eFiled.  The other documents contain more detailed information about the ECM program.

Post-Judgment Case Management Program (PJCM) Resources

These resources are designed to assist you in becoming more familiar with the Olmsted County Post-Judgment Case Management Program (PJCM). The PJCM Certificate of Representation is a form that must be completed, filed, and served before a Post-Judgment Motion hearing and PJCM telephone conference can be scheduled. The other documents contain more detailed information about the PJCM program.

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Otter Tail (Seventh District)

Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search Itasca County's ENE Provider Rosters.
 

Resources

Email the ENE/ECM program »

Pennington (Ninth District)

Pennington County uses Initial Case Management Conferences but not court-sponsored Early Neutral Evaluations. For more information on Pennington County's Early Case Management (ECM) Program, please contact Darla Boen in Pennington County Court Administration at (218) 683-7023.

ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters. Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county. Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.

Email the ENE/ECM program »

Polk (Ninth District)

Polk County uses Initial Case Management Conferences but not court-sponsored Early Neutral Evaluations.  For more information on Polk County's Early Case Management (ECM) Program, please contact Polk County Court Administration at (218) 281-2332.

ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters. Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county. Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services. 

Resources

The Initial Case Conference (ICMC) Data Sheet is a form that must be completed, provided to the court and served on the other party at least two (2) business days before your scheduled ICMC. The ICMC Data Sheet should be mailed or hand delivered to the court but not eFiled. 
 

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Pope (Eighth District)

Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search Pope County's ENE rosters.


Resources

For information specific to Pope County, please contact Pope County Court Administration at (320) 634-5222.

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Ramsey (Second District)

Resources

Listed below are forms that are designed to assist you in becoming more familiar with ECM in Ramsey County. The Initial Case Conference (ICMC) Data Sheet is a form that must be completed, submitted to the court and served at least three (3) business days before your scheduled Initial Case Management Conference. This information is for use at the ICMC only and is not evidence for purposes of a trial. The other forms contain more detailed information about ENE and its costs.

Attorneys: ICMC data sheets should be submitted to the assigned judicial officer by email to the email address boxes that have been set up for each judicial unit. This is the ONLY exception to the mandate that pleadings be filed electronically: eFiling Business Process.
 

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Red Lake (Ninth District)

Red Lake County uses Initial Case Management Conferences (ICMCs) but not court-sponsored Early Neutral Evaluations. For more information on Red Lake County's Early Case Management (ECM) Program, please contact Sherry Largis, in Red Lake County Court Administration at (218) 253-4281.

ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters. Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county. Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.

Email the ENE/ECM program »

Renville (Eighth District)

Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search Renville County's ENE rosters.


Resources

For information specific to Renville County, please contact Renville County Court Administration at (320) 523-3680.

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Rice (Third District)

Rice County re-launched their new Early Case Management (ECM)/Early Motion Management (EMM), Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) and Moderated Settlement Conferences (MSC) programs on August 3, 2021. Their launch, originally planned for March 1, 2020, had been suspended because of COVID-19.

Initial Case Management Conferences, Initial Motion Management Conferences, and ENE Status Conferences are scheduled on Tuesdays in Rice County.
 
Resources for the program are available below.
 

Resources

Rice County Order Authorizing Family Early Case Management and Early Motion Management
Rice County Continuances Policy and Timelines
Rice County Post Decree Early Motion Management Flowchart
Rice County Request to Waive ICMC (both parties must be represented)
Rice County Request to Waive IMMC (both parties must be represented)
Rice County ICMC Data Sheet (Word Version)
Rice County IMMC Data Sheet (Word Version)
Rice County ENE Fees
Rice County MSC Fees
Rice ICMC/ENE Program Description
Rice IMMC/ENE Program Description
Rice MSC Program Description
Statement of Assets and Liabilities for Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE) (Word Version)

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Roseau (Ninth District)

Roseau County uses Initial Case Management Conferences (ICMCs) but not court-sponsored Early Neutral Evaluations.  For more information on Roseau County's Early Case Management (ECM) Program, please contact Roseau County Court Administration at (218) 463-2541.

ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters. Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county. Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.

Email the ENE/ECM program »

Scott (First District)

Scott County uses the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) in Initial Case Management Conferences (ICMCs). Parties may preview rosters and provider schedules using the links below. If parties opt into Early Neutral Evaluations, the Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE) or Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE) providers will be selected and the date, time, and location of the SENE or FENE will be scheduled in the courtroom during the ICMC. Please bring your calendars with you to the ICMC.

Remote Expedited Temporary Relief (RETR) in Family Cases

All counties in the 1st Judicial District will be participating in the Remote Expedited Temporary Relief (RETR) Program. RETR is a temporary program to facilitate case management during the COVID-19 Emergency. RETR is a Minn. R. Gen. Prac. 114.02(a) (10) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.    
 
This program permits the parties to retain a third party to provide binding ADR services to resolve temporary relief issues in family cases. The process is truncated in at least three ways: volume of submissions, time limits on the process, and deadlines. RETR follows the Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE)/ Moderated Settlement Conferences (MSC) model for fees and includes a four hour flat fee rate charged by the ADR provider. To participate review RETR program information and file Stipulation and Order for RETR.
 

Resources

Email the ENE/ECM program »

Sherburne (Tenth District)

In Sherburne County, all new relevant family law cases are scheduled for an Initial Case Management Conference (ICMC) and enter the Early Case Management process with access to Early Neutral Evaluations (ENEs). Sherburne County uses the Provider Availability and Scheduling System  (PASS) to schedule ENEs during ICMCs.

Moderated Settlement Conferences (MSCs) are available in Sherburne County in cases that have not settled that are already close to their trial date.

Program Description (ECM/ENE)
Program Description (MSC)

Fee Schedule

Resources

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Sibley (First District)

Program Description (Printable Program Brochure)

Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the Sibley ENE Rosters.

Remote Expedited Temporary Relief (RETR) in Family Cases

All counties in the 1st Judicial District will be participating in the Remote Expedited Temporary Relief (RETR) Program. RETR is a temporary program to facilitate case management during the COVID-19 Emergency. RETR is a Minn. R. Gen. Prac. 114.02(a) (10) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.    
 
This program permits the parties to retain a third party to provide binding ADR services to resolve temporary relief issues in family cases. The process is truncated in at least three ways: volume of submissions, time limits on the process, and deadlines. RETR follows the Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE)/ Moderated Settlement Conferences (MSC) model for fees and includes a four hour flat fee rate charged by the ADR provider. To participate review RETR program information and file Stipulation and Order for RETR.

Resources

For information on the McLeod-Sibley Combined ENE Program please contact court administration at (507) 237-4051.

Email the ENE/ECM program »

St. Louis Duluth (Sixth District)

Resources

The lead judge for the Sixth Judicial District is the Hon. Sally Tarnowski who may be reached through her Court Reporter, Jenna Palumbo, at (218) 221-7683.

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St. Louis Hibbing (Sixth District)

Resources

The lead judge for the Sixth Judicial District is the Hon. Sally Tarnowski who may be reached through her Court Reporter, Jenna Palumbo, at (218) 221-7683.

Email the ENE/ECM program »

St. Louis Virginia (Sixth District)

Resources

The lead judge for the Sixth Judicial District is the Hon. Sally Tarnowski who may be reached through her Court Reporter, Jenna Palumbo, at (218) 221-7683.

Email the ENE/ECM program »

Stearns (Seventh District)

Stearns County does not have an active ECM-ENE Program. However, ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters. Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county. Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.

Email the ENE/ECM program »

Steele (Third District)

Steele County does not have a court-sponsored ECM or ENE Program.  However, ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters. Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county. Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.

Email the ENE/ECM program »

Stevens (Eighth District)

Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search Stevens County's ENE rosters.


Resources

For information specific to Stevens County, please contact Stevens County Court Administration at (320) 208-6640.

Email the ENE/ECM program »

Swift (Eighth District)

Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search Swift County's ENE rosters.


Resources

For information specific to Swift County, please contact Swift County Court Administration at (320) 843-2744.

Email the ENE/ECM program »

Todd (Seventh District)

Todd County does not have a court-sponsored ECM or ENE Program. However, ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters. Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county. Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.

Email the ENE/ECM program »

Traverse (Eighth District)

Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search Traverse County's ENE rosters.


Resources

For information specific to Traverse County, please contact Traverse County Court Administration at (320) 422-7752.

Email the ENE/ECM program »

Wabasha (Third District)

Wabasha County does not have a court-sponsored ECM or ENE Program. However, ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters. Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county. Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.

Email the ENE/ECM program »

Wadena (Seventh District)

Wadena County does not have a court-sponsored ECM or ENE Program. However, ENE is available through the Equal Access ENE Program. Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search the provider rosters. Equal Access providers use the Equal Access Fee Scale in this county. Interested parties must contact the ENE providers directly to set up services.

Email the ENE/ECM program »

Waseca (Third District)

Resources

Email the ENE/ECM program »

Wilkin (Eighth District)

Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search Wilkin County's ENE rosters.


Resources

For information specific to Wilkin County, please contact Wilkin County Court Administration at (218) 643-7172.

Email the ENE/ECM program »

Yellow Medicine (Eighth District)

Use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search Yellow Medicine County's ENE rosters.


Resources

For information specific to Yellow Medicine County, please contact Yellow Medicine County Court Administration at (320) 564-3325.

Email the ENE/ECM program »

Below you will find information regarding Initial and Advanced ENE Provider Training and Rule 114 Qualification Training, and the Master Training List of individuals who have been trained to give Social or Financial Early Neutral Evaluations.
  • ENE providers must complete an Initial ENE Provider Training course approved by the State Court Administrator’s Office (SCAO) and be added to the Master Training List. There may be additional requirements and application processes in each county.
  • Prior to completing any Initial ENE Provider Training course, potential providers should first contact the ENE contact in the counties in which they wish to serve to learn about local requirements and whether the counties are accepting applications for new ENE providers.
  • Initial ENE Provider Training courses have generally been offered in once a year.  Check back frequently for registration as it becomes available.
  • Please contact course sponsors directly with questions regarding Initial ENE Provider Training courses.
  • If you are interested in sponsoring Initial ENE Provider Training, please review the Training Manual and Application (Word Version).
  • If you are interested in sponsoring Advanced ENE Provider Training, please review the Advanced ENE Training Policy. Requests for approval must be received at least 30 days prior to the training.
Certain programs require ENE providers to be Rule 114 Qualified Family Law mediators and evaluators. Becoming Rule 114 Qualified requires participation in an approved training program. For more information on the requirements, application process, and training, please visit the Alternative Dispute Resolution Board’s Website.
The master training list contains individuals who have completed Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE) and Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE) training. The listing of an individual on this roster indicates only that the person has completed an approved ENE training course. It does not reflect whether the individual meets any other minimum qualifications for providing SENE or FENE services. To determine whether someone has been selected to serve as an ENE neutral in a specific county, please look at the County Information tab for your county or find the individual on the training list and contact them directly to learn whether they are currently able to provide ENE services.

You will find general and county specific information for Prospective and Current ENE Providers below, as well as Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) Resources for all ENE providers.
 

Prospective Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) Providers

ENE providers must complete an Initial ENE Provider Training course approved by the State Court Administrator’s Office (SCAO) and be added to the Master Training List. There may be additional requirements and application processes in each county.

Prior to completing the Initial ENE Provider Training course, potential providers should first review the county-specific program information for the counties in which they wish to serve to learn about local requirements and whether the counties are accepting applications for new ENE providers.
 
  • County-specific program information is available through the dropdown menu at the bottom of this page.
  • All programs use an online application and scheduling system called PASS (Provider Availability and Scheduling System), unless otherwise noted in their county-specific information. You must attend a free Provider PASS WebEx Training to apply through PASS. General application tips are in this document.
  • For information on attending or sponsoring Initial ENE Provider Training courses or Advanced ENE Provider Training courses, please see the Training Tab.
  • Certain programs require ENE providers to be Rule 114 Qualified Family Law mediators and evaluators. (Know the difference between Rule 114 Qualified Mediator and Evaluator Status.) Becoming Rule 114 Qualified requires participation in a ADR program certified training program. For more information on the requirements and application process, please visit the Alternative Dispute Resolution Board’s Website.
  • Certain programs require a certain number of ride-alongs with seasoned providers before applying. Providers may use the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) to search for scheduled ENE sessions and contact providers directly to set up ride-alongs. Select the option on the Provider Schedules Lookup to "Show me a list of provider's booked sessions." See the accordion menu below for more information on PASS. Use the State Ride-Along Certificate to document your ride-along and email it to PASS@courts.state.mn.us.
     

County-Specific Program Information

Use the dropdown menu below to find program-specific information.

If a county does not appear in the dropdown menu below, the county does not have an active ECM-ENE Program. If you have an interest in applying to serve as an ENE Provider in that county, you may apply to the Equal Access Early Neutral Evaluation roster(s) for that county. Please review the application process and criteria for the Equal Access Program and the Equal Access Program Fee Scale before applying. A supplemental application is required (Word Version / PDF Version)  

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS).


Anoka (Tenth District)

Prospective ENE and MSC providers may apply to the Early Neutral Evaluation roster(s) through the online Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS). A Supplemental ENE Application (Word Version) and/or Supplemental MSC Application (Word Version) is required.

Anoka County accepts ENE and Moderated Settlement Conferences (MSC) provider applications on an ongoing basis. Applications are considered at committee meetings twice a year if there is space available on the roster. The best applicants will be selected from those applications available at the time applications are considered.

Prospective ENE and MSC providers must complete PASS training and review the following information before applying:

MSC providers must meet all the same requirements as ENE providers, plus have had American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) MSC training and be an attorney.

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS).

Big Stone (Eighth District)

Please review their process and criteria to see if you meet the minimum criteria before apply to their rosters. Use the Supplemental Application along with Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version / PDF Version). 
 

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS).

Blue Earth (Fifth District)

Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, and Watonwan Counties:
Submit a Supplemental Application (Word Version) and apply through the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS). Additional information will be request through the PASS system.  

Please see the section at the bottom of this tab for additional information on PASS.

Brown (Fifth District)

Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, and Watonwan Counties:
Submit a Supplemental Application (Word Version) and apply through the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS). Additional information will be request through the PASS system.  

Please see the section at the bottom of this tab for additional information on PASS.

Carlton (Sixth District)

Carlton County Applications for Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE) and Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE) Rosters are considered on an on-going basis. Carlton's roster uses Duluth's application the mailing address for the application is at the bottom of the application, or it can be emailed.

Carver (First District)

To be added to the Financial Early Neutral Evaluator (FENE) and/or Social Early Neutral Evaluator (SENE) roster in Scott and/or Carver Counties, applicable ENE training and Rule 114 Qualified Status is required. There is no ride-along requirement. Applications are accepted on an on-going basis through on the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) and are processed by the State Family ECM/ENE Program Manager on a monthly basis.  Submit a Supplemental Application (Word Version) along with applying through PASS.

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS).
 

Chippewa (Eighth District)

Please review their process and criteria to see if you meet the minimum criteria before apply to their rosters.  Use the Supplemental Application along with PASS (Word Version / PDF Version). 
 

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS).

Chisago (Tenth District)

The Combined Pine-Isanti-Chisago-Kanabec (PICK) County Program requires providers to travel to each of the four counties to perform ENEs, in addition to other criteria. If you are interested in applying, please review the PICK program policies and guidelines to see if you meet the minimum criteria before applying. You must apply to all four counties at the same time.  Use the Supplemental Application along with the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version / PDF Version).

Applications will be reviewed in the order submitted as a space on the roster becomes available. At times it can be a long wait. You will receive an email through PASS once action has been taken on your applications. Please do not contact the 10th District Coordinator or State Program Manager for the status of your application. 

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information about PASS.

Clay (Seventh District)

Use the Supplemental Application along with the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version / PDF Version).

 

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS).

Cook (Sixth District)

Cook County Applications for Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE) and Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE) Rosters are considered on an on-going basis. Cook's roster uses Duluth's application the mailing address for the application is at the bottom of the application, or it can be emailed.

Cottonwood (Fifth District)

Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, and Watonwan Counties:
Use the Supplemental Application along with the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version / PDF Version). Additional information will be request through the PASS system.  

Please see the section at the bottom of this tab for additional information on PASS.

Dakota (First District)

The Dakota ENE and Moderated Settlement Conferences (MSCs) Programs moved to the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) system February 15, 2019.  Providers previously on these rosters who were not registered in PASS by then missed the grandfathering deadline and must submit a Supplemental Application. New application will be accepted on an on-going basis. Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE) providers may apply for single-provider (PASS service type = ONESENE) or team-provider rosters (PASS service type = SENE) or both.

Please review the ENE Program Policies and Fee Scales or MSC Program Policies and Fee Scales before applying to see if you meet the minimum criteria before apply to their rosters. Use the ENE Supplemental Application (Word Version / PDF Version) or MSC Supplemental Application along with PASS (Word Version / PDF Version).

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS).

Dodge (Third District)

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. All previous providers must have applied in the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) and accepted the PASS policies by March 31, 2019, to have been grandfathered in.  All providers now use the Supplemental Application along with the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version / PDF Version).


Applications will be pooled and considered as space available on the roster warrants. The best applicants will be selected from those applications available at the time the pooled applications are considered.  Review the roster criteria (effective September 2018) before applying.  came effective September 21, 2018.

 

Faribault (Fifth District)

Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, and Watonwan Counties:
Submit a Supplemental Application and apply through the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version of Supplement). Additional information will be request through the PASS system.  

Please see the section at the bottom of this tab for additional information on PASS.

Fillmore (Third District)

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. All current providers must reapply and accept the PASS policies by March 31, 2019, to be grandfathered in and are not required to submit a supplemental application. New providers must also submit a Supplemental Application.

Applications will be pooled and considered as space available on the roster warrants. The best applicants will be selected from those applications available at the time the pooled applications are considered.  New roster criteria became effective August 8, 2018.

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS).

Goodhue (First District)

Please review the Goodhue County process and criteria for the minimum criteria before applying to the rosters. Use the Supplemental Application along with the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version / PDF Version).

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information about PASS.

Grant (Eighth District)

Please review their process and criteria to see if you meet the minimum criteria before apply to their rosters. Use the Supplemental Application along with Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version / PDF Version). 
 

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS).

Hennepin (Fourth District)

Hennepin County is not using Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) for scheduling and uses non-PASS roster lists in the courtroom.

Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE) provider roster

Hennepin County accepts FENE roster applications on an on-going basis. Information for submitting the applications is at the bottom of the form.

Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE) provider roster

Hennepin County's Family Court Services Division works with the Fourth District Family Court to assist families in resolving custody and parenting time disputes through. Hennepin County also has a semi-private, non-family court services division SENE Roster.  Please review their criteriaFull paper applications (Word Version) are accepted as well as applications through PASS with the PASS Supplemental ENE Application (Word Version). Hennepin County is not using PASS in the courtroom for scheduling and anyone accepted through PASS for the SENE Roster will be added to a separately maintained list.
 

SENE and FENE training

The State Family Early Case Management (ECM)/Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) Program approves all Initial ENE Provider Training. Hennepin County does not require additional training. The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program may require additional training. Please see the Provider Information Tab on this page for more information.

Houston (Third District)

Houston County is considering updating its rosters. If you have an interest in applying to serve as an ENE Provider in this county, you may apply to its rosters through the online PASS application. Applications for this county will remain pending until they decide to update their rosters. When they do, you will be notified through PASS if any additional information is needed from you.
 
Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS).
 

Itasca (Ninth District)

All providers must apply through the PASS (Provider Scheduling and Availability System) and submit a Supplemental Application (word version). Please review the Roster Criteria and Application Process before applying.
 
Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS).

Jackson (Fifth District)

Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, and Watonwan Counties:
Submit a Supplemental Application and apply through the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version of Supplement). Additional information will be request through the PASS system.  

Please see the section at the bottom of this tab for additional information on PASS.

Kanabec (Tenth District)

The Combined Pine-Isanti-Chisago-Kanabec (PICK) County Program requires providers to travel to each of the four counties to perform ENEs, in addition to other criteria. If you are interested in applying, please review the PICK program policies and guidelines to see if you meet the minimum criteria before applying. You must apply to all four counties at the same time.  Use the Supplemental Application along with the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version / PDF Version).

Applications will be reviewed in the order submitted as a space on the roster becomes available. At times it can be a long wait. You will receive an email through PASS once action has been taken on your applications. Please do not contact the 10th District Coordinator or State Program Manager for the status of your application. 

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information about PASS.

Kandiyohi (Eighth District)

Please review the Kandiyohi process and criteria to see if you meet the minimum criteria before apply to their rosters. Use the Supplemental Application along with Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version / PDF Version). 
 

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on the Provider Availability and Scheduling System.

Koochiching (Ninth District)

Applications are accepted on an on-going basis for Koochiching County's ENE Provider Rosters. Please review the application process and criteria and fee scales before applying.  Use the Supplemental Application along with the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version / PDF Version).

Lac Qui Parle (Eighth District)

Please review the Lac Qui Parle process and criteria for the minimum criteria before applying to the rosters. Use the Supplemental Application and the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version / PDF Version). 
 

Please see the section at the bottom of this tab for additional information on PASS.

Lake (Sixth District)

Lake County Applications for Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE) and Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE) Rosters are considered on an on-going basis. Lake's roster uses Duluth's application the mailing address for the application is at the bottom of the application, or it can be emailed.

Lincoln (Fifth District)

Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, and Watonwan Counties:
Submit a Supplemental Application and apply through the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version of Supplement). Additional information will be request through the PASS system.  

Please see the section at the bottom of this tab for additional information on PASS.

Lyon (Fifth District)

Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, and Watonwan Counties:
Submit a Supplemental Application and apply through the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version of Supplement). Additional information will be request through the PASS system.  

Please see the section at the bottom of this tab for additional information on PASS.

Martin (Fifth District)

Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, and Watonwan Counties:
Submit a Supplemental Application and apply through the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version of Supplement). Additional information will be request through the PASS system.  

Please see the section at the bottom of this tab for additional information on PASS.

McLeod (First District)

To be placed on the roster for McLeod and Sibley counties you must be willing to abide by the fee structure and meet their roster criteria. When funds are available, after completing Social Early Neutral Evaluations (SENE) for two In Forma Pauperis (IFP) parties in a year, providers' subsequent IFP cases are subsidized.
 

Applications for Social Early Neutral Evaluation and Financial Neutral Evaluation(FENE) Rosters are considered on an on-going basis. Submit a Supplemental Application along with applying through Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS)(Word Version of Supplement.

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS).

Meeker (Eighth District)

Please review the Meeker County process and criteria to see if you meet the minimum criteria before apply to their rosters. Use the Supplemental Application along with Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version / PDF Version). 
 

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS).

Murray (Fifth District)

Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, and Watonwan: Submit a Supplemental Application along with applying through Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version of Supplement). Additional information will be request through the PASS system.  
 

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on the Provider Availability and Scheduling System.

Nicollet (Fifth District)

Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, and Watonwan Counties:
Submit a Supplemental Application and apply through the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version of Supplement). Additional information will be request through the PASS system.  

Please see the section at the bottom of this tab for additional information on PASS.

Nobles (Fifth District)

Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, and Watonwan Counties:
Submit a Supplemental Application and apply through the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version of Supplement). Additional information will be request through the PASS system.  

Please see the section at the bottom of this tab for additional information on PASS.

Olmsted (Third District)

Olmsted accepts applications on an ongoing basis. Please verify you meet the criteria before submitting an application. Use the Supplemental Application along with PASS (Word Version / PDF Version).

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS).

Otter Tail (Seventh District)

Otter Tail County accepts applications on an on-going basis. Use the Supplemental Application along with Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version / PDF Version). 
 
Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on the Provider Availability and Scheduling System.

Pine (Tenth District)

The Combined Pine-Isanti-Chisago-Kanabec (PICK) County Program requires providers to travel to each of the four counties to perform ENEs, in addition to other criteria. If you are interested in applying, please review the PICK program policies and guidelines to see if you meet the minimum criteria before applying. You must apply to all four counties at the same time.  Use the Supplemental Application along with the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version / PDF Version).

Applications will be reviewed in the order submitted as a space on the roster becomes available. At times it can be a long wait. You will receive an email through PASS once action has been taken on your applications. Please do not contact the 10th District Coordinator or State Program Manager for the status of your application. 

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information about PASS.

Pine (Tenth District)

The Combined Pine-Isanti-Chisago-Kanabec (PICK) County Program requires providers to travel to each of the four counties to perform ENEs, in addition to other criteria. If you are interested in applying, please review the PICK program policies and guidelines to see if you meet the minimum criteria before applying. You must apply to all four counties at the same time.  Use the Supplemental Application along with the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version / PDF Version).

Applications will be reviewed in the order submitted as a space on the roster becomes available. At times it can be a long wait. You will receive an email through PASS once action has been taken on your applications. Please do not contact the 10th District Coordinator or State Program Manager for the status of your application. 

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information about PASS.

Pipestone (Fifth District)

Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, and Watonwan Counties:
Submit a Supplemental Application and apply through the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version of Supplement). Additional information will be request through the PASS system.  

Please see the section at the bottom of this tab for additional information on PASS.

Pope (Eighth District)

Please review their process and criteria to see if you meet the minimum criteria before applying. Use the Supplemental Application along with the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version / PDF Version). 

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on PASS.

Ramsey (Second District)

The ENE Rosters for the Second Judicial District Family Court Division (Ramsey County) are currently closed. For reference, you may view the previous (2018) Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE) Announcement and Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE) Announcement for past criteria and process.

Ramsey County has a dual process pilot program with scheduling through the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) available in half the Initial Case Management Conferences.

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on the Provider Availability and Scheduling System.
 

Redwood (Fifth District)

Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, and Watonwan Counties:
Submit a Supplemental Application and apply through the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version of Supplement). Additional information will be request through the PASS system.  

Please see the section at the bottom of this tab for additional information on PASS.

Renville (Eighth District)

Please review the Renville process and criteria to see if you meet the minimum criteria before apply to their rosters. Use the Supplemental Application along with the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version / PDF Version). 

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on the Provider Availability and Scheduling System.

Rice (Third District)

Rice County (re)launched their Early Case Management (ECM)/Early Motion Management (EMM), Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) and Moderated Settlement Conferences (MSCs) Programs on August 3, 2021.  The launch, previously scheduled for March 1, 2020, was suspended because of COVID-19. If you are interested in serving as an ENE or MSC Provider in Rice county, you may apply to the rosters through the online Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) application. Use the ENE Supplemental Application (Word Version / PDF Version) or MSC Supplemental Application (Word Version / PDF Version) along with PASS.

Rice County ENE Fees
Rice County ENE Roster Application Process and Criteria
Rice County MSC Fees
Rice County MSC Provider Criteria
Rice County MSC Program Description
Rice County MSC Order Template

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on PASS.

Rock (Fifth District)

Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, and Watonwan Counties:
Submit a Supplemental Application and apply through the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version of Supplement). Additional information will be request through the PASS system.  

Please see the section at the bottom of this tab for additional information on PASS.

Scott (First District)

Prospective ENE Providers

Carver/Scott: To be added to the Financial Early Neutral Evaluator (FENE) and/or Social Early Neutral Evaluator (SENE) roster in Scott and/or Carver Counties, applicable ENE training and Rule 114 Qualified Status is required. There is no ride-along requirement. Applications are accepted on an on-going basis through Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) and are processed by the State Family ECM/ENE Program Manager on a monthly basis. Submit a Supplemental Application along with applying through PASS (Word Version of Supplement).

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on PASS.

Sherburne (Tenth District)

Prospective ENE and MSC providers may apply to the Early Neutral Evaluation roster(s) through the online Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS). A Supplemental ENE Application (Word Version) and/or Supplemental MSC Application (Word Version) is required.

Sherburne County accepts ENE and Moderated Settlement Conferences (MSC) provider applications on an ongoing basis. Applications are considered at committee meetings twice a year, usually in January and July, if there is space available on the roster. The best applicants will be selected from those applications available at the time applications are considered.

Prospective ENE and MSC providers must complete PASS training and review the following information before applying:

MSC providers must meet all the same requirements as ENE providers, plus have had American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) MSC training and be an attorney.

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS).

Sibley (First District)

To be placed on the roster for McLeod and Sibley counties you must be willing to abide by the fee structure and meet the roster criteria. When funds are available, after completing Social Early Neutral Evaluations (SENEs) for two In Forma Pauperis (IFP) parties in a year, providers' subsequent IFP cases are subsidized.

Applications for Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE) and Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE) Rosters are considered on an on-going basis. All providers must apply through Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS). Submit a Supplemental Application along with applying through PASS (Word Version of Supplement). 

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on PASS.

St. Louis Duluth (Sixth District)

Please review the Duluth Criteria for the minimum requirements. St. Louis-Duluth Applications for Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE) and Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE) Rosters are considered on an on-going basis. The mailing address for the application is at the bottom of the application, or it can be emailed.

St. Louis Hibbing (Sixth District)

Please review the Hibbing criteria to for the minimum requirements. St. Louis-Hibbing's Applications for Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE) and Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE) Rosters are considered on an on-going basis. Hibbing's roster uses Duluth's application and the mailing address for the application is at the bottom of the application, or it can be emailed.

St. Louis Virginia (Sixth District)

St. Louis-Virgina's Applications for Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE) and Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE) Rosters are considered on an on-going basis. Virginia's roster uses Duluth's application and the mailing address for the application is at the bottom of the application, or it can be emailed.

Stearns (Seventh District)

Stearns County is launching an ECM-ENE Program. If you have an interest in applying to serve as an ENE Provider in this county, you may apply to its rosters through the online Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) application. Applications for this county will remain pending until such a time as they determine their criteria and open their rosters. You will be notified through PASS of any additional requirements when their rosters open.

Stevens (Eighth District)

Please review their process and criteria to see if you meet the minimum criteria before apply to their rosters. Use the Supplemental Application along with Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version / PDF Version). 
 

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on PASS.

Swift (Eighth District)

Please review the Swift County process and criteria for the minimum criteria before applying to the rosters. Use the Supplemental Application and the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version / PDF Version). 
 

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on PASS.

Traverse (Eighth District)

Please review the Traverse County process and criteria for the minimum criteria before applying to the rosters. Use the Supplemental Application and the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version / PDF Version). 

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on PASS.

Waseca (Third District)

Applications for Waseca County are accepted on an ongoing basis. All providers must apply through the Provider Scheduling and Availability System (PASS).  New providers must submit a Supplemental Application.

Applications will be pooled and considered as space available on the roster warrants. Waseca County Roster Criteria.

Please see the section at the bottom of this Provider Information Tab for additional information on PASS.

Washington (Tenth District)

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS).

The Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE) and Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE) rosters are open to anyone who has either:
(a) completed formal training for SENE/FENE, or
(b) is currently on the SENE/FENE roster for Anoka, Hennepin, or Ramsey counties.

No supplemental application is required.

Please see the section at the bottom of this tab for additional information on PASS.

Watonwan (Fifth District)

Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, and Watonwan Counties:
Submit a Supplemental Application and apply through the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version of Supplement). Additional information will be request through the PASS system.  

Please see the section at the bottom of this tab for additional information on PASS.

Wilkin (Eighth District)

Please review the Wilkin County process and criteria for the minimum criteria before applying to the rosters. Use the Supplemental Application along with  Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version / PDF Version). 

Please see the section at the bottom of this tab for additional information on PASS.

Winona (Third District)

Applications for Winona County are accepted on an ongoing basis and will be pooled and considered as space is available on the roster.

Review the Winona County roster criteria before applying. Submit a Supplemental Application and apply through the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version of Supplement).

Winona County has openings for Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE) and Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE) providers of both genders, but is in urgent need of male SENE and FENE providers.

Please see the section at the bottom of this tab for additional information on PASS.

 

Wright (Tenth District)

Prospective providers may apply to the Early Neutral Evaluation roster(s) through the online Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS). A Supplemental Application is required.  (Word Version).

Wright County accepts provider applications on an ongoing basis. If space is available on the roster, applications are considered at committee meetings, usually
in January and July.

Prospective providers must complete PASS training and review the following information before applying:

Please see the section at the bottom of this tab for additional information on PASS.

Yellow Medicine (Eighth District)

Please review the Yellow Medicine County process and criteria for the minimum criteria before apply to the rosters. Use the Supplemental Application along with Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) (Word Version / PDF Version). 
 

Please see the section at the bottom of this tab for additional information on PASS.


 

Current ENE Providers

Information in this section is for ENE providers already listed on one or more program-approved provider rosters.
 

General/Statewide

Tips/Checklist for Successful ENE Process
Financial ENE Provider's Report (PDF Version / Word Version)
Social ENE Provider's Report (PDF Version / Word Version)
Request for Order Extending Timelines for FENE or SENE (PDF Version / Word Version)
Minnesota eFile Support Center
Rule 114 Qualified Mediator and Evaluators Status
Equal Access ENE Data Sheet for EA providers' use. (PDF Version / Word Version)
 

Please see the Provider Availability and Scheduling System (PASS) accordion for PASS Resources.
 

County-Specific Program Information

Use the dropdown menu below to find program-specific information.

If a county does not appear in the dropdown menu below, the county does not have an active ECM-ENE program OR has no county-specific information available. 

For counties with programs that have no county-specific information available, please refer to the General/State information and forms above.


Washington (Tenth District)

Current ENE Providers

10th District

Contact the 10th District ENE Program Coordinator

Washington
Washington Initial Case Management Conference (ICMC) Data Sheet


 
For general questions about ECM/ENE, contact:
the State Family ECM/ENE Program Manager
 
The following presentation will provide you with information about the Initial Case Management Conference: