MN SF4435

Requires face-to-face contact with alleged offenders in early stages of assessment or investigation, with initial contact informing them of allegations while protecting reporter confidentiality.

Mandates child interviews occur outside the presence of alleged offenders or parents/guardians and must precede any interviews with those individuals, except in exceptional circumstances.

Eliminates requirement to obtain parental permission before conducting child interviews in family assessments, allowing interviews to proceed without permission if needed for safety assessment.

Extends immunity from civil and criminal liability to minors under 18 years of age who make child maltreatment reports or assist in assessments and investigations under the chapter.

Requires local welfare agencies to document information collected during family assessments in the child's or family's case notes.