Bill > HF1614

This bill modifies the legal definition of child neglect in Minnesota to clarify that a child with a mental, physical, or emotional condition is not automatically considered neglected if they remain in a hospital or emergency department solely because necessary services like residential treatment are unavailable. The bill adds a new provision to the existing child welfare statute that acknowledges systemic challenges in accessing specialized care, recognizing that parents or guardians should not be penalized when they cannot immediately secure appropriate treatment services for a child with complex medical or mental health needs. Specifically, the amendment protects parents or guardians from being labeled as neglectful when a child must remain in a medical setting due to a lack of available residential treatment or support services, despite the medical or mental health professional's recommendation for such care. This change aims to provide more nuanced understanding of families' challenges in accessing specialized care and prevent unfair stigmatization of parents navigating complex healthcare and support systems for children with special needs.

Education, Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1614&ssn=0&y=2025