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SF1786 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Relative foster care licensing, training, and background study requirements modifications provision, Minnesota Family Investment program modifications provision, and appropriation

Related bill: HF1424

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes modifications to relative foster care licensing, training, and background study requirements in Minnesota. It also includes changes to the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) and appropriates funds for related initiatives. Key provisions include:

  1. Expanded Definition of Relative – The bill broadens the definition of individuals considered "related" in foster care eligibility, including non-biological relationships important to a child.

  2. Relative Foster Care Licensing – Relatives providing foster care, except for parents or legal guardians, must obtain a foster care license, with the option to apply through county or private agencies. The state must provide information to assist these caregivers.

  3. Background Studies – The bill updates background check requirements for individuals living in foster homes, emphasizing enhanced reviews for those with certain criminal histories, especially those involving violent crimes, substance abuse, or offenses against minors.

  4. Updated Training Requirements –

    • Foster care providers (except certain relatives) must complete training on preventing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and abusive head trauma.
    • All child foster care providers must undergo child passenger safety training.
    • Mental health and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder training requirements for foster caregivers are revised.
    • Relative caregivers are required to complete at least six hours of annual training.

  5. Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) Revisions – Adjustments are made to how relative caregivers are classified under MFIP, ensuring that cash assistance for caregivers does not count toward lifetime assistance limits.

  6. Accessibility of Materials – The bill mandates that all foster care-related materials be available in multiple languages, American Sign Language, and accessible formats for individuals with disabilities.

  7. Streamlining Foster Care Licensure – Directs the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to create a condensed licensing process tailored specifically for kinship foster care providers.

  8. Appropriations:

    • Funds are allocated for grants to support relative caregivers.
    • Grants are provided to counties and Tribes for purchasing mobile fingerprinting devices to expedite background checks.

The bill aims to improve foster care licensing processes for relative caregivers, enhance training and oversight, and provide financial and legal support to families fostering children while ensuring child safety.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 23, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toHealth and Human Services
February 23, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toHealth and Human Services
February 26, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added
March 09, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass as amended and re-refer toJudiciary and Public Safety
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass as amended and re-refer toHealth and Human Services
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Aclarification that domestic partners of individuals related to the child do not require separate licensure."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section relates to background studies required for individuals seeking licensure for child foster care.",
      "modified": [
        "Details regarding who within a household should be subjected to background studies."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "245C.03",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Inclusion of specific training on reducing sudden unexpected infant death risks and abusive head trauma."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section outlines training requirements for child foster care providers caring for infants and children up to five years old.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification on the length and frequency of required training sessions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "2960.3070",
    "subdivision": "subpart 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification on disqualification amendments and adjustments to the time frame for various types of conviction."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section outlines disqualification criteria based on criminal convictions for background studies in family foster settings.",
      "modified": [
        "Revised criminal offenses and their impact on disqualification status."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "245C.14",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Sponsors