Title

MAAFPCWDA Implementation

Intro

A phased approach allows for gradual adaptation and compliance. This page will contain updates on implementation of the Act.

Widgets

Effective July 1, 2024

Permanent establishment of the African American Child Well-Being Unit within the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF); and permanent establishment of the African American Child Well-Being Advisory Council.
Establishment of grants to provide services and support for African American and disproportionately represented children and their families involved in Minnesota's child welfare system.
A working group of county and community organizations is established to provide implementation guidance and oversight, including cost monitoring and forecasting, recommend statutory or policy changes necessary for implementation, and develop a state-wide implementation and best practices plan.

Effective January 1, 2025

Establishment of a phase-in program where Hennepin and Ramsey Counties implement provisions of MAAFPCWDA. DCYF provides a one-time $2,500,000 grant to each county to support implementation. One-time funding of $5 million in fiscal year 2025 is appropriated to support Hennepin and Ramsey Counties’ implementation needs, to be split equally between the two counties. Funding is available until June 30, 2026. While other counties may also participate in the phase-in program, available funding is limited to Hennepin and Ramsey Counties. A compliance portal will be established as part of the phase-in program. Prior to the conclusion of the phase-in program on July 1, 2027, DCYF must submit a report to the legislature about the phase-in program.

Effective January 1, 2027

MAAFPCWDA goes into effect statewide.
All case workers, supervisors, judges, guardians ad litem, and others working in the child welfare system will be required to receive cultural competency training.
Counties will review all child welfare cases for children to whom MAAFPCWDA applies and produce a report detailing outcome trends of disproportionally represented children.
DCYF will develop a system to review county compliance with MAAFPCWDA and a compliance and a feedback portal to receive reports of non-compliance with MAAFPCWDA.

Effective July 1, 2027

Prior to the conclusion of the phase-in program on July 1, 2027, DCYF must submit a report to the legislature about the phase-in program.

Implementation updates

October 28, 2024

Initial active efforts training for phase-in counties is being developed by the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy in full partnership with community trainers.

Development of best practice guidance and court changes is underway.

Launch of MAAFPCWDA Implementation website.

Procedures for data reporting and case reviews in development.

Compliance and feedback portal in development.

Changes to SSIS in development.