Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance the child welfare system in Minnesota by conducting a thorough fiscal analysis and evaluation of existing programs and practices. It seeks to identify potential improvements and optimize the use of federal funds.

Main Provisions

• Fiscal Analysis Requirement: The bill mandates the Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families to hire a third-party consultant for conducting a fiscal analysis of the state's child welfare system. This analysis will review financial systems, funding sources, federal reimbursements, legal service funding, and the implementation of the Family First Prevention Services Act.

• Program and Practice Evaluation: A separate comprehensive evaluation will assess current child welfare practices and programs, intending to develop recommendations for reducing inequities and improving outcomes for children and families.

• Consultant Selection: The chosen consultants must be independent, with expertise in child welfare systems and fiscal matters. They must not receive funds from other Minnesota entities during the analysis.

• Advisory Task Force: A task force, including members from various backgrounds in child welfare, will support and advise the consultants.

• Reports and Recommendations: The consultants are required to provide a final report by June 30, 2027, for the fiscal analysis and by July 1, 2028, for the program evaluation. These reports will include findings and recommendations for potential legislative changes, administrative needs, and strategies to enhance federal funding receipts.

• Tribal Participation: Federally recognized Tribal Nations in Minnesota can participate in the fiscal analysis and have control over their data.

• Funding Provision: A one-time appropriation will fund the analyses and evaluations, and it remains available until it is fully utilized.

Significant Changes

• Comprehensive Review of Financial Systems: This introduces a detailed analysis of funding strategies, reimbursement processes, and efficiency in federal fund usage.
• Evaluation of Legal Representation Funding: The bill addresses the eligibility and use of federal funds for legal representation in child welfare, potentially impacting support provided to families and children.
• Creation of an Advisory Task Force: Establishing this group highlights a collaborative approach in the analysis and evaluation processes.

Relevant Terms

child welfare system, fiscal analysis, Family First Prevention Services Act, federal Title IV-E, federal Title IV-B, Minnesota Child Welfare, program evaluation, Tribal participation, advisory task force, legal representation funding, child welfare funding.