This study, which collected data through interviews and document review, was designed to identify strengths and weaknesses of Minnesota's Comprehensive Children's Mental Health Act (CCMHA) of 1989 and its implementation through December 1990. Three criteria for mental health reform were established for the study, including: care should be community-based and family-centered; a full range of affordable, coordinated services should be provided; and accountability to processes, outcomes, and consumers should be required. Implementation efforts were assessed relative to the three criteria and in terms of administrative support, funding, and bargaining processes. The study concluded that the strengths of the CCMHA lie in its intended commitment to the community-based value, to a fairly comprehensive range of services, to coordination of services at the state and local level, and to process accountability regarding deadlines for implementation and various reports. The weaknesses of the law's intent center on weak or lukewarm commitment to the value of family-centeredness, to informal services such as respite care, to outcome and consumer accountability, and to affordability through financing schemes. Appendixes list documents reviewed, interview questions, and persons interviewed. (Approximately 30 references) (JDD)