MN HF2405

County child welfare workers, supervisors, and Department of Human Services child safety and permanency staff must complete a competency certificate within 12 months of employment and before serving as primary case manager for cases involving American Indian children or families.

Training curriculum must cover the Indian Child Welfare Act, Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act, Tribal sovereignty and self-determination, historical trauma, cultural competency skills, American Indian cultural ceremonies and traditional healing, and the 11 federally recognized Minnesota Tribes.

Training must be developed and presented by American Indian experts using evidence-based methods incorporating the Minnesota Child Welfare Practice Framework and include simulation-based practice opportunities.

The commissioner, in collaboration with the American Indian Child Welfare Advisory Council, shall develop ongoing training requirements, tracking systems for certifications, and follow-up contact with workers six months after certification.

$1,030,000 is appropriated in fiscal year 2022 from the general fund for the Tribal Child Welfare Partnership, located at and administered by the University of Minnesota, Duluth Center for Regional and Tribal Child Welfare Studies.