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 support for families. Key provisions include exempting the commissioner from electronic benefits transfer contract term limits, allowing for contracts of up to ten years, and introducing new data requirements for the Great Start Compensation Support Payment Program. The bill also 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 prioritize the engagement of noncustodial parents and relatives in the foster care process. Additionally, it mandates inquiries into a child's heritage during the child protection process and updates the definition of "habitual truant" to include children aged 12 to 18.

Further amendments focus on procedural changes in juvenile court processes, emphasizing the need for courts to consider a child's heritage during custody hearings and to make reasonable efforts to prevent foster care placements. The bill requires courts to inquire about a child's heritage and the agency's efforts to locate relatives when making custody decisions, while also establishing timelines for filing child protective services plans. It enhances the responsibilities of social services agencies in engaging parents in case planning and mandates documentation of efforts to achieve permanency for children in foster care. Overall, the legislation aims to improve the welfare of children by streamlining processes, ensuring timely updates, and reinforcing the importance of cultural identity and family connections.

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