This bill proposes significant updates to the policies and programs managed by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families in Minnesota, with a focus on enhancing child welfare and protection. Key provisions include an exemption for the commissioner from electronic benefits transfer contract term limits, allowing contracts to extend up to ten years. The bill also introduces new data requirements for the Great Start Compensation Support Payment Program, ensuring public data availability while safeguarding the privacy of children and families. Additionally, it establishes the African American Child and Family Well-Being Advisory Council to improve outcomes for African American children in the welfare system and modifies existing statutes to better involve noncustodial parents and relatives in foster care placements.

Further amendments include the introduction of inquiries about a child's heritage during the child protection process, the revision of the definition of "habitual truant," and enhanced responsibilities for social services agencies in engaging parents in case planning. The bill mandates regular court reviews of out-of-home placement plans, particularly as children approach adulthood, and emphasizes the importance of cultural considerations in custody hearings. It also outlines new requirements for educational stability and health care planning for children in foster care, as well as guidelines for concurrent permanency planning to expedite permanency for children. Overall, the bill aims to improve the welfare and stability of children in the foster care system while ensuring that their cultural backgrounds are respected and considered in all decisions.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 142A.03, 142D.21, 260.65, 260.66, 260.691, 260.692, 260C.001, 260C.007, 260C.141, 260C.150, 260C.178, 260C.201, 260C.202, 260C.204, 260C.212, 260C.223, 260C.329, 260C.451, 260C.452, 260E.09, 260E.20, 260E.24