MN SF1165

Modifies early intervention child find criteria to include children under age three with accepted maltreatment reports (rather than only substantiated cases of abuse or neglect) and children affected by illegal substance abuse or prenatal drug exposure.

Requires mandatory referral for early intervention screening under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part C, for children under three involved in substantiated maltreatment cases or subject to maltreatment reports.

Allows parents or guardians to decline referral for non-substantiated maltreatment cases after receiving information about healthy child development and early intervention services.

Clarifies that referral, evaluation, and acceptance of early intervention services are voluntary and that refusal to have a child screened cannot be used as basis for a child in need of protection or services petition.

Requires the Commissioner of Human Services to monitor referral rates by county and report annually to the legislature beginning March 15, 2014.