This bill focuses on enhancing child protection measures in Minnesota, particularly for African American and disproportionately represented children. It modifies the reporting requirements for the African American Child Well-Being Advisory Council, mandating that the council provide detailed reports on various metrics related to child welfare, including the number of children in the system, maltreatment reports, and barriers to family reunification. The bill also shifts the responsibility for case reviews from individual social services agencies to the commissioner of children, youth, and families, who will oversee the collection of data and the development of remediation plans aimed at addressing disparities in child welfare outcomes.

Additionally, the bill includes significant appropriations to support child protection efforts, allocating funds for hiring additional child protection workers, improving child welfare technology, and providing grants under the Family First Prevention Services Act. Specific appropriations include $40 million for improvements to the social services information system and additional funds for preventing out-of-home placements. The council is also tasked with assessing the capacity of counties to implement child protection measures and reporting on the need for additional resources. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the child welfare system and ensure better outcomes for vulnerable children and families in Minnesota.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 260.68, 260.691