MN HF4385

Requires child protection agencies to interview children age four and older separately from and before interviewing alleged perpetrators during foster care assessments and child maltreatment investigations, unless exceptional documented circumstances demonstrate it would not be in the child's best interests.

Prohibits agencies from providing advance notice to caregivers for initial home visits during child maltreatment assessments and investigations, except in exceptional documented circumstances.

Mandates agencies to conduct child interviews in a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive manner and requires reporting to the commissioner on any interviews conducted under exceptional circumstances with specific reasons documented.

Requires the Commissioner of Human Services to develop and distribute training by March 1, 2021, on trauma-informed and culturally sensitive child interview practices and on standard fact-finding protocol for child protection workers.

Effective dates vary, with most provisions effective immediately upon enactment, while certain amendments to interview requirements and fact-finding protocols are effective March 1, 2021.