MN HF4165

A legal parent may file a petition to reestablish parental rights previously terminated, replacing the prior requirement that only a county attorney could file such petitions.

The minimum foster care duration requirement is reduced from 36 months to 24 months after a court issues an order terminating parental rights.

Service of petition requirements are expanded to include notice to the county attorney, responsible social services agency, child's guardian ad litem, and child's tribe if applicable under Indian Child Welfare Act.

A requirement that the child be 15 years of age or older is removed from petition filing conditions but retained as a finding requirement at the hearing stage.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 260C.329, subdivision 5 (which made county attorney decisions not to file petitions non-appealable) is repealed.