This bill amends the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act by modifying the case review process for child welfare cases involving African American and other disproportionately represented children. The responsibility for conducting these reviews is shifted from each responsible social services agency to the commissioner, who will oversee the process and require agencies to provide necessary information. The bill also mandates that the commissioner develop measurable outcomes with the agencies to address and reduce factors contributing to disproportionality in child welfare outcomes. Additionally, the commissioner is required to provide a summary report that includes barriers to family reunification and access to culturally informed services.

Furthermore, the bill includes an appropriation of funds for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support the implementation of the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act. These funds will be distributed to responsible social services agencies to enhance staffing and service provision related to the act's objectives. The changes aim to improve the child welfare system's responsiveness to the needs of African American families and reduce disparities in outcomes.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 260.68