Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act

Minnesota is reforming its child protection policies and practices to eliminate long-standing racial disparities, unequal treatment and poor outcomes for too many children and families. 

Phase-in program to launch in January

Implementation of the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act will begin with the launch, on Jan. 1, 2025, of a phase-in program in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties. The counties will develop ways to implement provisions of the act related to reestablishment of parental rights modifications, and data disaggregation. 

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.

​Contact Child Safety and Permanency staff at DCYF for more information: dcyf.child.safety-permanency@state.mn.us