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HF 1202

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 02/22/2021 04:18pm

KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.

Current Version - as introduced

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A bill for an act
relating to child protection; modifying the face-to-face contact requirement for
child maltreatment investigations; amending Minnesota Statutes 2020, section
260E.20, subdivision 2.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 260E.20, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Face-to-face contact.

(a) Upon receipt of a screened in report, the local welfare
agency shall conduct a face-to-face contact with the child reported to be maltreated and
with the child's primary caregiver sufficient to complete a safety assessment and ensure the
immediate safety of the child.

(b) The face-to-face contact with the child and primary caregiver shall occur immediately
if sexual abuse or substantial child endangerment is alleged and within five calendar days
for all other reports. If the alleged offender was not already interviewed as the primary
caregiver, the local welfare agency shall also conduct a face-to-face interview with the
alleged offender in the early stages of the assessment or investigation.new text begin Face-to-face contact
with the child and primary caregiver in response to a report alleging sexual abuse or
substantial child endangerment may be postponed for no more than five calendar days if
the child is residing in a location that is confirmed to restrict contact with the alleged offender
as established in guidelines issued by the commissioner, or if the local welfare agency is
pursuing a court order for the child's caregiver to produce the child for questioning under
section 260E.22, subdivision 5.
new text end

(c) At the initial contact with the alleged offender, the local welfare agency or the agency
responsible for assessing or investigating the report must inform the alleged offender of the
complaints or allegations made against the individual in a manner consistent with laws
protecting the rights of the person who made the report. The interview with the alleged
offender may be postponed if it would jeopardize an active law enforcement investigation.

(d) The local welfare agency or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating
the report must provide the alleged offender with an opportunity to make a statement. The
alleged offender may submit supporting documentation relevant to the assessment or
investigation.