The bill seeks to strengthen child protection and support services in Minnesota by amending existing laws related to child welfare, economic support, housing, and child care licensing. It establishes a Department of Human Services systemic critical incident review team to analyze child fatalities and near fatalities in licensed facilities, focusing on systemic influences rather than assigning blame. The bill mandates annual public reports on reviewed cases, systemic themes, and recommendations for improving services. It also introduces new requirements for agencies managing Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for children in foster care, ensuring that these funds are used solely for the child's care and that relevant parties are notified when agencies apply to be the payee for a child's benefits.

Additionally, the bill creates a Supreme Court Council on Child Protection to develop a comprehensive blueprint for improving the child protection system, emphasizing prevention and early intervention. It establishes local child mortality review teams in each county, outlines the responsibilities of these teams, and mandates the publication of annual reports detailing critical incidents. The bill also includes provisions for preventing nonrelative foster care placements, conducting needs analyses related to homelessness, and enhancing the appeals process for decisions made by the Department of Human Services. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the accountability, transparency, and efficiency of child welfare processes while safeguarding sensitive data and improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 245H.03
1st Engrossment: 256N.26, 260C.331, 256.01, 256E.35, 245A.065, 245.975, 256.045, 256.0451, 256.046, 256J.08
2nd Engrossment: 256N.26, 260C.331, 256.01, 256E.35, 245A.065, 245.975, 256.045, 256.0451, 256.046, 256J.08
3rd Engrossment: 256N.26, 260C.007, 260C.331, 256.01, 256E.35, 245A.065, 245.975, 256.045, 256.0451, 256.046, 256J.08