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HF2967 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

African American Child Well-Being Advisory Council reports modified; reports required; child protection workers, child welfare technology improvements, and Family First Prevention Services Act grants funding provided; and money appropriated.

Related bill: SF3300

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This bill is designed to address the disproportionality and disparities in child welfare outcomes for African American and other minority children in Minnesota. It seeks to improve transparency in child protection services through enhanced reporting and accountability. Additionally, the bill aims to allocate funds to support child protection workers, technology improvements in the child welfare system, and the implementation of the Family First Prevention Services Act.

Main Provisions

  1. Child Welfare Case Review:

    • The Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families is tasked with reviewing all child welfare cases for African American and other disproportionately represented children.
    • Social services agencies must provide necessary information for these reviews and produce summary reports highlighting trends, remediation plans, and progress.

  2. Annual and Specific Reports:

    • Reports must be submitted to various legislative committees, focusing on the African American Child Well-Being Advisory Council's activities and recommendations for statutory changes.
    • Additional reports will assess the counties' capacity to implement statutory changes and evaluate the effectiveness of these implementations.

  3. Appropriations for Child Protection:

    • Funds are allocated for hiring additional child protection workers and improving the social services information technology systems.
    • Specific financial provisions are made to prevent out-of-home placements under the Family First Prevention Services Act.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • The bill mandates new reporting and analysis requirements for child welfare case reviews specifically addressing race-related disparities.
  • It amends existing Minnesota Statutes to include these new procedures and report requirements, thereby enhancing oversight and accountability.
  • Appropriations are included to support the infrastructural needs and staffing necessary to implement these measures effectively.

Relevant Terms

  • Child protection
  • African American Child Well-Being Advisory Council
  • Disproportionality
  • Family First Prevention Services Act
  • Social services agency
  • Foster care
  • Remediation plan
  • Technology improvements

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 31, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toChildren and Families Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies the requirement for social services agencies to provide case summaries and remediation plans."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies case review requirements for African American and disproportionately represented children under child welfare services.",
      "modified": [
        "Updates reporting deadlines and the entities responsible for creating reports."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "260.68",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Council must report on its activities and the capacity of counties to implement related statutes."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill alters reporting requirements for child welfare services.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts the deadlines and expiration for certain reporting duties."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "260.691",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  }
]

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