This bill seeks to revise the licensing, training, and background study requirements for relative foster care providers in Minnesota, while also making changes to the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP). It mandates that individuals related to a child must obtain a foster care license, with options for licensure through county or private agencies. County agencies are required to provide information and develop materials to assist relative foster care providers. Additionally, the bill requires training on reducing the risk of sudden unexpected infant death and abusive head trauma for licensed child foster care providers, with exemptions for those related to the child.

Moreover, the legislation introduces new definitions for "relative caregivers" and clarifies their eligibility for MFIP assistance, ensuring that cash assistance received does not count toward the 60-month limit. It amends disqualification criteria for individuals undergoing background studies, establishing specific timeframes for disqualification based on offenses and the termination of parental rights. The bill also directs the Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families to ensure accessible communication materials and mandates the creation of streamlined licensing guidelines for relative foster caregivers by December 2025. Funding is appropriated for relative caregiver grants and for purchasing fingerprinting devices to improve the efficiency of background studies in the foster care system.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 142B.01, 142B.05, 142B.47, 142B.51, 142B.80, 142E.01, 142G.01, 142G.40, 256.73, 245C.02, 245C.03, 245C.08, 245C.15
1st Engrossment: 142B.01, 142B.05, 142B.47, 142B.51, 142B.80, 142E.01, 142G.01, 142G.40, 256.73, 245C.02, 245C.03, 245C.08, 245C.15
2nd Engrossment: 142B.01, 142B.05, 142B.47, 142B.51, 142B.80, 142E.01, 142G.01, 142G.40, 256.73, 245C.02, 245C.15