This bill seeks to amend Minnesota's foster care regulations, specifically targeting the licensing, training, and background study requirements for relative foster care providers. It introduces a mandate for relatives of children in care to obtain a foster care license, with options for licensure through county or private agencies. The bill requires county agencies to inform potential relative providers about their licensing options and directs the commissioner to create supportive materials. It also establishes training requirements focused on reducing risks of sudden unexpected infant death and abusive head trauma, while allowing exceptions for relatives. Furthermore, the definition of "relative" is expanded, and training for relative caregivers is tailored to their specific needs. Notably, cash assistance received by relative caregivers will not count toward the 60-month limit, providing additional support.

In addition to these changes, the bill enhances background study requirements by mandating a broader review of information, including criminal history and child abuse registries from other states. It establishes disqualifications for relatives based on certain felony and gross misdemeanor convictions, regardless of the time since the offense, and eliminates the need for consent forms for out-of-state registry checks. The commissioner is also tasked with ensuring that communications and materials for relative foster care providers are accessible in multiple languages and formats. The bill includes appropriations for grants to support relative caregivers and funding for social services agencies to acquire fingerprinting devices, aimed at streamlining the licensing process and enhancing the efficiency of background studies.

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