Minnesota Agencies

The commissioner of human services must establish a working group to provide guidance and oversight for the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act phase-in program. The working group must provide oversight of the phase-in program and evaluate the cost of the phase-in program. The working group must also assess future costs of implementing the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act statewide.

By January 1, 2026, the working group must develop and submit an interim report to the Legislature detailing initial needs for the implementation of the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act. The interim report must also include recommendations for any statutory or policy changes necessary to implement the act. By September 1, 2026, the working group must develop an implementation plan and best practices for the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act to go into effect statewide.

The members of the working group must include representatives from:

• Minnesota Association of County Social Service Administrators
• Association of Minnesota Counties
• Minnesota Inter-County Association
• Minnesota County Attorneys Association
• Hennepin County
• Ramsey County
• Department of Human Services
• community organizations with experience in child welfare 

The legislature may provide recommendations to the commissioner on the selection of the representatives from the community organizations.