MN SF3814

Transfers legal responsibility for child welfare and child protection services from Beltrami and Clearwater Counties to the Red Lake Nation for tribal members and families residing on the Red Lake Reservation.

Commissioner of Human Services and the tribe shall decide by consensus which programs transfer and seek necessary federal approvals and waivers.

Transfer occurs in two phases: Phase I involves developing transfer plans, hiring staff, securing technology, and ensuring tribal court compliance with child protection laws; Phase II implements the plan and provides ongoing services including out-of-home placement, staff salaries, training, and family preservation services.

Tribe must cooperate with the commissioner in collecting and reporting information on child safety, permanency, and well-being outcomes to meet state and federal reporting requirements.

Appropriates $4,950,000 in fiscal year 2019 for Phase I and $11,750,000 in fiscal year 2020 for Phase II as grants to the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians.

Commissioner must submit a written report on transfer progress by January 15, 2019, to legislative health and human services committees, including proposed legislation if needed to complete the transfer.