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Program improvements creating better outcomes in the child welfare system
The next stage of program improvements for Minnesota’s Child and Family Services Review is underway after receiving approval. This marks an important milestone moving the performance improvement plan (PIP) from planning to implementation.
With this approval from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Minnesota will have an opportunity to test new approaches, learn what works, and strengthen the child welfare system to improve outcomes for children, youth and families.
The PIP focuses on three key areas:
- Improving outcomes for children with complex needs by strengthening coordination across the systems that serve children and families and partnering with local and state agencies to identify, implement and evaluate strategies that improve outcomes for children with complex needs.
- Reducing reentry into foster care by identifying and testing approaches that can better support children and families after they exit care.
- Improving father engagement by working with county and Tribal agencies to strengthen efforts to identify, locate and engage fathers and paternal relatives throughout the child welfare process.
This work will involve continued collaboration with families with lived experience, community organizations, Tribes, counties, courts and other partners. Some of the work will be tested through Innovation zones, which will allow local communities to identify challenges, develop strategies and learn together about what works in their unique settings.
“We’re extremely grateful to everyone who contributed their time, expertise and feedback throughout the planning process.” said Assistant Commissioner Rebecca St. George. “Your input has helped shape Minnesota’s PIP and will continue to be an important part of this work. We look forward to continuing to learn and work together to improve outcomes for children and families across Minnesota.”
Attend the program improvement plan webinar
Attend the upcoming webinar on the Round 4 Child and Family Services Review (CFSR): Program Improvement Plan (PIP) Overview.
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Location: Webex
Register for the Program Improvement Plan webinar.
About the webinar
Since receiving Minnesota’s Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) Round 4 final report in November 2025, the department has developed a program improvement plan (PIP) to address identified strengths and opportunities for improvement across Minnesota’s child welfare system.
Now that the department’s PIP has been officially approved, this webinar will walk through the CFSR timeline, review the PIP’s priorities and strategies, and discuss how progress will be measured. The department will also explore opportunities for individuals with lived experience, community partners, Tribes and counties to get involved in implementation as it moves from planning to action.
Who should attend
Parents and individuals with lived experience in the child welfare space, whose perspectives are vital to shaping meaningful and effective outcomes, are welcome to attend.
Also encouraged to attend are partners and collaborators in the child welfare, children’s mental health and developmental disabilities and truancy communities. The webinar is also relevant to Tribal and County agency caseworkers, supervisors, and managers; CJI Team members; judicial officers; court administration staff; law clerks; county attorneys; social workers; attorneys for parents and children; guardians ad litem; and Tribal representatives.
Resources
Minnesota’s Child and Family Services Review Round 4: Program Improvement Plan Hub: This site includes updates and information about the PIP, resources to stay informed as implementation moves forward, and will include ongoing opportunities for engagement as they arise. Please check the site often for updates and opportunities to share feedback.
Questions
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Child Safety and Permanency team at dcyf.csp.cfsr@state.mn.us.