(a) The legislature hereby declares that the public policy of this state is to protect children whose health or welfare may be jeopardized through maltreatment. While it is recognized that most parents want to keep their children safe, sometimes circumstances or conditions interfere with their ability to do so. When this occurs, the health and safety of the children must be of paramount concern. Intervention and prevention efforts must address immediate concerns for child safety and the ongoing risk of maltreatment and should engage the protective capacities of families. In furtherance of this public policy, it is the intent of the legislature under this chapter to:
(1) protect children and promote child safety;
(2) strengthen the family;
(3) make the home, school, and community safe for children by promoting responsible child care in all settings; and
(4) provide, when necessary, a safe temporary or permanent home environment for maltreated children.
(b) In addition, it is the policy of this state to:
(1) require the reporting of maltreatment of children in the home, school, and community settings;
(2) provide for the voluntary reporting of maltreatment of children;
(3) require an investigation when the report alleges sexual abuse or substantial child endangerment;
(4) provide a family assessment, if appropriate, when the report does not allege sexual abuse or substantial child endangerment; and
(5) provide protective, family support, and family preservation services when needed in appropriate cases.
1Sp2020 c 2 art 7 s 1
Structure Minnesota Statutes
Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities
Chapter 260E — Reporting Of Maltreatment Of Minors
Section 260E.02 — Multidisciplinary Child Protection Team.
Section 260E.03 — Definitions.
Section 260E.05 — Cultural Practices.
Section 260E.055 — Duty To Report; Private Or Public Youth Recreation Program.
Section 260E.06 — Maltreatment Reporting.
Section 260E.065 — Training For Reporters.
Section 260E.07 — Retaliation Prohibited.
Section 260E.08 — Criminal Penalties For Failure To Report; Civil Penalty For Making False Report.
Section 260E.09 — Reporting Requirements.
Section 260E.10 — Notification To Reporters.
Section 260E.11 — Agency Designated To Receive Reports.
Section 260E.13 — Report To Ombudsman.
Section 260E.14 — Agency Responsible For Screening And Assessment Or Investigation.
Section 260E.15 — Screening Guidelines.
Section 260E.16 — Timeline For Screening.
Section 260E.17 — Response Path Assignment.
Section 260E.18 — Notice To Child's Tribe.
Section 260E.19 — Conflict Of Interest.
Section 260E.20 — Agency Duties Regarding Investigation And Assessment.
Section 260E.21 — Screened Out Reports.
Section 260E.23 — Documenting Interviews With Child Maltreatment Victims.
Section 260E.24 — Conclusion Of Family Assessment Or Family Investigation By Local Welfare Agency.
Section 260E.25 — Provision Of Medical Care.
Section 260E.26 — Provision Of Child Protective Services.
Section 260E.27 — Consultation With The County Attorney.
Section 260E.28 — Conducting Investigation In Facility Or School.
Section 260E.29 — Notification Requirements For Schools And Facilities.
Section 260E.30 — Conclusion Of School Or Facility Investigation.
Section 260E.31 — Reporting Of Prenatal Exposure To Controlled Substances.
Section 260E.32 — Toxicology Tests Required.
Section 260E.33 — Reconsideration And Appeal Of Maltreatment Determination Following Investigation.
Section 260E.35 — Data Practices.
Section 260E.36 — Specialized Training And Education Required.