This bill amends the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act by modifying the definition of "active efforts" to "reasonable efforts" in various sections of the Minnesota Statutes. The changes emphasize that the responsible social services agency must provide reasonable and realistic efforts tailored to the specific circumstances of the child and family, rather than a continuous and rigorous standard. The bill outlines the agency's responsibilities to prevent out-of-home placements, promote family reunification, and ensure frequent visitation for African American and disproportionately represented children. It also mandates that the agency must document its efforts and provide culturally informed services to the families involved.

Additionally, the bill requires responsible social services agencies to conduct case reviews for African American and disproportionately represented children, identifying trends and barriers in the child welfare system. These reviews will include data on maltreatment reports, in-home services, and outcomes related to family reunification. Agencies must create remediation plans to address any identified disparities in outcomes for these children compared to the overall population. The first report is due by October 1, 2029, with annual updates thereafter, ensuring ongoing oversight and accountability in the child welfare system.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 260.63, 260.64, 260.641, 260.67, 260.68