The Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act seeks to address the overrepresentation of African American and disproportionately represented children in the state's child welfare system. The bill establishes minimum standards to prevent unnecessary removals of these children from their families, promotes family stability, and aims to improve outcomes for family reunification. Key provisions include the requirement for social services agencies to develop safety plans with families prior to court intervention, ensure frequent visitation for children in out-of-home placements, and demonstrate active efforts to preserve family connections. The act also creates the African American Child Well-Being Advisory Council to oversee these initiatives and mandates regular reporting on progress.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the need for comprehensive case reviews, cultural competency training, and the establishment of family preservation grants to support culturally specific services. It mandates that the commissioner prioritize programs in counties with high rates of child welfare disproportionality and outlines a compliance system review to enhance oversight within the child welfare system. The effective date for most provisions is set for July 1, 2027, with some initiatives beginning as early as July 1, 2024, in specific counties. Overall, the bill aims to improve child welfare outcomes and support for African American and disproportionately represented children and their families.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 260C.329
1st Engrossment: 260C.329
2nd Engrossment: 260C.329
3rd Engrossment: 260C.329