Bill > SF1786

This bill modifies several provisions related to foster care, particularly for relative caregivers, across multiple Minnesota state statutes. The bill expands the definition of "individual who is related" to include people with significant personal connections to a child or the child's family, making it easier for extended family or close friends to become licensed foster care providers. It introduces more flexible training requirements for relative foster care providers, reducing the number of required training hours and allowing more customized training based on the specific needs of the children in their care. The bill also makes changes to background study requirements for relative foster care providers, such as reducing the waiting period for individuals who have had parental rights terminated. Additionally, the bill directs the commissioner of children, youth, and families to create condensed licensing guidelines for relative foster care providers, make communications available in multiple languages, and provides appropriations to support relative caregiver grants and help counties purchase fingerprinting devices to expedite background studies. These changes aim to streamline the process for relatives to become licensed foster care providers and provide more support for kinship care arrangements.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1786&ssn=0&y=2025