MN SF2736

Establishes a new juvenile court guardianship program for unmarried individuals ages 18-21 who are potentially eligible for special immigrant juvenile status under federal law.

Allows at-risk youth to petition juvenile court for appointment of a guardian to provide guidance, financial and emotional support, and assistance accessing services related to shelter, nutrition, medical care, education, and protection from trafficking or violence.

Requires court findings that the proposed guardian is capable and reputable, the guardianship is in the youth's best interests, parental reunification is not viable due to abandonment, abuse, or neglect, and return to the youth's previous country is not in their best interests.

Guardianships automatically terminate when the youth reaches age 21, but may be voluntarily terminated at any time upon the youth's request; the youth retains all legal rights and privileges.

Amends Minnesota Statutes to give juvenile courts exclusive jurisdiction over at-risk juvenile guardianship petitions filed under the new chapter 257D and exempts these proceedings from standard guardianship laws.