MN SF4

Establishes "family assessment" as preferred response for reports not alleging sexual abuse or substantial child endangerment, versus mandatory investigations for those serious allegations.

Requires investigations only when reports involve sexual abuse or substantial child endangerment, or for maltreatment in licensed facilities, schools, or personal care provider organizations.

Mandates child protection intake workers follow Minnesota Child Maltreatment Screening Guidelines when screening reports, with commissioner oversight and quality assurance reviews of county screening practices.

Extends record retention period from 4 years to 5 years for screened-out reports, family assessments, and cases with no maltreatment determination; extends retention to 5 years for maintaining repeat report information (changed from 365 days).

Requires commissioner to develop competency-based training requirements for child protection supervisors and update screening guidelines by August 1, 2015, emphasizing child safety and ongoing abuse/neglect risk as paramount concerns.