SF2641 Summary

• Increases basic monthly rates for Northstar Care for Children effective July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2017: ages 0-5 from $565 to $680 per month, ages 6-12 from $670 to $805 per month, and ages 13 and older from $790 to $950 per month.

• Requires the Department of Human Services to investigate every death of a child during placement in a licensed foster care home, regardless of whether abuse or neglect is alleged.

• Authorizes child care as an allowable service for purposes of child protection and requires the commissioner to update related codes.

• Establishes a pilot program in multiple counties (urban, suburban, and outstate) to fund high-quality child care for at-risk children ages 0-5 in families involved in the child welfare system to prevent abuse and neglect, with outcomes report due December 15, 2018.

• Appropriates unspecified amounts from the general fund for the child care pilot program and to expand the parent support outreach program serving families screened out of formal child protection action.