MN HF3265

Requires foster care license holders and staff to complete two hours of training on mental health disorders prior to nonemergency child placement, with at least one hour annually on children's mental health issues and at least one hour on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders within the first 12 months of licensure.

Directs the commissioner of human services to review and revise the Minnesota Assessment of Parenting for Children and Youth (MAPCY) tool in consultation with representatives from communities of color to incorporate cultural considerations and address diverse community needs.

Establishes a foster care sibling bill of rights granting children in foster care nine specific rights including placement together with siblings when possible, frequent contact, regular face-to-face visits, sharing in celebrations and milestones, and inclusion in permanency planning decisions.

Requires child welfare agencies to provide written copies of sibling rights to children entering foster care, adult siblings, and foster care providers, including contact information for the Office of Ombudsman for Families.

Effective date for most provisions is August 1, 2018, with disclosure requirements applying to all children in foster care as of that date.