Child Welfare Data and Reports
Per Minnesota Statutes 260.692 Subd. 3,the unit monitors individual county and statewide disaggregated and nondisaggregated data to identify trends and patterns in child welfare outcomes, including but not limited to reporting, maltreatment, out-of-home placement, and permanency of African American children, and develop strategies to address disproportionality and disparities in the child welfare system. This work is done in partnership and collaboration with other DCYF and Child Safety and Permanency Administration program areas. The unit reviews multiple data sources, which may include, but are not limited to, the Child Welfare Data Dashboard (see below), Social Service Information System (SSIS) data, court data, Child and Family Services Review Data, Targeted Case Review results, and Feedback and Compliance Portal summary data and reports. Reviewed data is monitored in real time and across years to identify emerging trends, outcome increases or decreases, and other relevant and meaningful child welfare outcome patterns.
Child Welfare Data Dashboard
Minnesota’s child welfare system works to promote the safety, well-being, and permanency of children while strengthening families and communities. In partnership with counties and Tribal Nations, the state is committed to ensuring that children are safe, remain with their families whenever possible, receive the services and supports they need, and achieve stable, permanent living arrangements.
The Child Welfare Data Dashboard provides transparent, accessible information about child welfare outcomes across Minnesota. The dashboard includes state and federal performance measures to monitor how effectively the child welfare system serves children and families. These measures support accountability, inform decision-making, and help identify opportunities to improve outcomes for children, families, counties, and Tribal Nations throughout the state.
The dashboard can be accessed at: Child Welfare Data Dashboard | Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Reports
DCYF does produce annual reports for the public, including detailed summaries of its programs, expenditures, and performance. These reports are accessible online and are intended to provide transparency and accountability to Minnesota residents. Many are available in PDF format and designed for public review, with some inviting stakeholder comments. You can find these reports on the DCYF’s official “Reports and Data” page at dcyf.mn.gov
Requesting Data from DCYF
The unit cannot release any data directly to the public via data requests. Any member of the public, including individuals, media, government agencies, vendors, and attorneys, may request data from DCYF. Requests must be submitted in writing and should clearly describe the data being requested, including relevant date ranges and whether the requester wishes to inspect the data or receive copies. While not required, DCYF provides a Public Data Request Form to help streamline the process.
Submit requests to:
Email: dcyf_datarequest@state.mn.us
Mail:
Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Attn: Data Request
444 Lafayette Road
Saint Paul, MN 55155
Additional information:
- There is no charge to inspect public data; fees may apply for copies.
- Individuals requesting their own private data may be required to verify their identity.
- DCYF staff process requests on behalf of the Commissioner, who serves as the department’s responsible authority for data practices compliance.
- For large or complex requests, DCYF may provide additional instructions regarding secure file transfer and document submission requirements.
Submit requests to: Email: dcyf_datarequest@state.mn.us
Mail:
Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Attn: Data Request
444 Lafayette Road
Saint Paul, MN 55155
For more information about submitting a data request, please visit Data Requests | Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families