Title

MAAFPCWDA Implementation

Intro

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

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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 Jan. 1, 2025

  • Establishment of a phase-in program where Hennepin and Ramsey Counties implement provisions of MAAFPCWDA. DCYF provides a one-time $2.5 million 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 Jan. 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.

MAAFPCWDA Statewide Work Group 

In accordance with S.F. No. 716, chapter 117, section 21, the MAAFPCWDA Statewide Work Group has been established to:  

  • Provide guidance and oversight and evaluate the cost for the MAAFPCWDA phase-in program. 
  • Assess future costs of implementing MAAFPCWDA statewide. 
  • Develop and submit an interim report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over child welfare detailing the initial needs to implement the MAAFPCWDA by Jan. 1, 2026. This interim report must also include recommendations for any statutory or policy changes necessary to implement the MAAFPCWDA. 

Statewide Work Group Meeting

The MAAPFPCWDA Statewide Work Group members have been selected. This group will decide on and finalize the recommendations to the Minnesota State Legislature. Individuals who were not identified as part of the MAAFPCWDA Statewide Work Group are invited to attend as observers in accordance with Minnesota Statute Chapter 13D Open Meeting Law. No meeting cadence has been established at this time. Meeting agendas and minutes, upcoming meeting dates, and important updates are posted on the MAAFPCWDA Statewide Work Group engagement site. 

Statewide Work Group Membership
Community members 
  • Kelis Houston 
  • Marvalyne Unique Tripp 
  • Claudean English 
  • Harvey Linder 
  • Michelle D Seymore 
  • Joanna Woolman 
Organizational partners 
  • Joan Blakey, School of Social Work, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 
  • Lolita Davis Carter, Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage 
  • Erin Johnson, Minnesota County Attorneys Association
  • Tami Baker Olson, Minnesota State Guardian ad Litem Program 

 

County partners 
  • Julie Hanson, Mahnomen County 
  • Kurt Mortenson, Otter Tail County 
  • Karla Bigham, Washington County 
  • Patricia Harrelson, Minnesota Prairie County Alliance 
  • Stacey Hennen, Western Prairie Human Services 
  • Christos Jensen, Ramsey County 
  • Rena Moran, Ramsey, County 
  • Angela Conley, Hennepin County 
  • Lori Whittier, Hennepin County 
  • Queeta Kakula, Washington County 
  • Nicole Curphy, St. Louis County 
  • Joan Lee, Polk County 
  • Suzanne Arntson, Scott County 

Frequently asked questions

How is MAAFPCWDA different from the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA)?

​Contact us

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

Click here to sign up for MAAFPCWDA Implementation email updates.