What is this new law?
This law is designed to keep children safe and support families so children can stay with their parents or relatives whenever possible.
It also works to improve outcomes for African American children and other children who are more likely to be involved in the child protection system. This includes Black, Indigenous, and Hispanic children, children from low-income families, and children with disabilities.
In Minnesota, these groups of children have been more likely to be removed from their homes and placed in foster care. This law focuses on changing that by supporting families earlier and more often.
What does the law require?
Keep families together whenever possible
Caseworkers and courts must make active efforts to keep children safely with their family or extended family. This is a stronger standard than “reasonable efforts.”
Active efforts mean working closely and consistently with families to prevent children from entering foster care when it is safe to do so.
Active efforts before removal
Before a child is removed from their home, agencies must take active steps such as:
Working with parents and family to create a safety plan
Connecting families to services and supports
Helping address safety concerns early and often
Support safe family placements
If a child cannot safely stay with a parent:
The agency must look for other parents, relatives, or trusted family connections
The goal is to place children with family or people who are important to them whenever possible
This helps children stay connected to their family and support system
Support culture and identity
The law recognizes that children do best when they can stay connected to their:
Family
Culture and heritage
Community
Identity
Improve accountability
Child welfare agencies must:
Collect and review data on child welfare outcomes
Look for differences between groups of children
Create plans to reduce those differences
What does this mean for my family?
If your family has a child protection case that falls under this law, you may see:
Questions from your caseworker about your child’s race, ethnicity, disability, and family income (this helps determine protections under the law)
More focus on keeping your child safely with you or with relatives
A safety planning process that includes you and your support system
Services that are responsive to your culture and family needs
Opportunities to suggest relatives or trusted people as caregivers if needed
Support to help your child return home, including regular visits and planning with your caseworker
Where can I get help?
If you are involved in a child protection case, you can:
Ask your caseworker or attorney how this law applies to your case
Stay connected with family, friends, and community supports
Share concerns if you believe the law is not being followed
Contact us
If you have concerns about compliance with this law or child welfare services:
