This bill seeks to amend the licensing, training, and background study requirements for relative foster care providers in Minnesota, while also making adjustments to the Minnesota family investment program. A key change is the requirement for individuals related to a child to obtain a license to provide foster care, with options for licensure through county or private agencies. The bill mandates the development of materials to assist relative foster care providers and outlines specific training requirements, including topics on mental health and child passenger restraint systems. It also introduces new definitions for "relative caregivers" and clarifies that cash assistance received by these caregivers will not count toward the 60-month limit on assistance.

Additionally, the bill enhances background study requirements by disqualifying individuals with certain felony-level convictions and requiring comprehensive criminal history reviews, including checks against child abuse and neglect registries from other states. The commissioner of children, youth, and families is directed to ensure that communications and materials for relative foster care providers are accessible in multiple languages and formats. The bill also includes appropriations for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support a grant program for relative caregivers and to provide grants for purchasing fingerprinting devices, aimed at expediting background studies. Overall, the bill emphasizes the state's commitment to supporting relative caregivers while ensuring the safety and well-being of children in foster care.

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