MN HF3282

Defines "relative of an Indian child" to align with the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, referencing the federal statute's definition of extended family rather than providing Minnesota-specific definitions.

Establishes "active efforts" standard for Indian child cases, requiring social services agencies to request and actively solicit tribal participation from the earliest time possible and apply higher standards than "reasonable efforts" to preserve Indian families.

Defines "best interests of an Indian child" to mean compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act and Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act, emphasizing preservation of family and tribal identity as interconnected with the child's best interests.

Allows emergency placement of children with unlicensed relatives and requires county agencies to assist relatives in obtaining child foster care licenses, with consideration given to maintaining relationships with relatives when evaluating background study disqualifications or variances.

Modifies adoption assistance exclusions and relative custody assistance provisions to apply to Indian children consistent with tribal court determinations and federal Indian child welfare law.