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Title

African American Child and Family Well-Being Unit

Intro

Strengthening families and reducing racial disparities in child welfare outcomes.

Banner
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Sections

Background

The African-American Child and Family Well-Being Unit develops and implements culturally relevant and affirming child welfare practices focused on the unique experiential and cultural needs of African-American and African heritage children and families. 

The unit was launched in 2020 and permanently established in 2024 with the passage of the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act. Implementation of the act began in January 2025.

The unit conducts case reviews, oversees grant programs, monitors a feedback and compliance portal, promotes community engagement, and more. 

family around a table
State Law Mandates Duties
The 2024 Minnesota African-American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act (MAAFPACWDA) provides the legal basis for the African American Child Well-Being Unit.
Mom hugs her son and daughter with their faces pressed against hers, smiling at the camera
Case Reviews
The African American Child Well-Being Unit must conduct systemic case reviews to monitor targeted child welfare outcomes, including but not limited to maltreatment, out-of-home placement, and permanency of African American children.
Hands-on meeting about data
Reports
The African American Child Well-Being Unit must provide regular updates on unit activities, including summary reports of case reviews
father holding a baby
Foundational Principles
The unit's work is grounded in nine core commitments.
feedback and compliance
Unit Staff
Learn about the different functions.
family embracing each other
Unit Program Areas
Unit staff work across the child welfare continuum to ensure equity, cultural affirmation, and responsiveness in Minnesota child welfare policy and practice
African American family
Advisory Council
The African-American Child and Family Well-Being Advisory Council ensure the voices and experiences of African-American and African heritage communities are uplifted and represented through partner collaboration and engagement.
family in a park
Targeted Case Review
As required by the Minnesota African-American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Proportionality Act, the unit conducts targeted case reviews to support compliance with the requirements of the act.
feedback and compliance
Feedback and Compliance Portal
As required in Minnesota 260.694, the department is responsible for establishing and maintaining a Minnesota African-American Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act portal.
grant and funding
Grants and Funding Opportunities
The unit administers grants related to varying elements of child welfare based on federal or local funding allocation.
community engagement
Community Engagement
The African American Child and Family Well-Being Unit is committed to eliminating disparities and disproportionalities experienced by African American and African heritage children and families in Minnesota's child welfare system

Contact the unit at dcyf.aacwb@state.mn.us 

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Quick Links
Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy
Minnesota Office of Ombudsperson for Families
Council for Minnesotans of African American Heritage
Minnesota Office of African American Health
Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State
Minnesota Child Welfare Training Adademy
Minnesota Department of Health Community Based Organizations Directory
Pages in PartnerLink site
MAAFPCWDA overview
Family First Prevention Services Act overview