SF 1125

as introduced - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to child advocacy centers; providing for grants for child advocacy
centers that perform certain core functions; appropriating money.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS; GRANTS.
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new text begin $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2008 and $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2009 are appropriated
from the general fund to the commissioner of public safety to administer grants for child
advocacy centers established in section 2.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin GRANTS; PURPOSE; CRITERIA.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Purpose. new text end

new text begin Grants under this section are provided to stabilize funding
and ensure the continued viability of core functions relating to child maltreatment
investigations, interviews, treatment, and related training. The grants ensure that child
victims of abuse have access to safe, secure facilities and that law enforcement has access
to the tools necessary for the successful apprehension and conviction of child predators.
The grants ensure that important government duties relating to the protection of children
are not ignored and subjected to unstable, irregular funding sources. The grants provide
funding for state mandates relating to child maltreatment reporting and assessment.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Criteria. new text end

new text begin (a) Grants must be made only to child advocacy centers that are
accredited members in good standing with the National Children's Alliance or are actively
pursuing that status.
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new text begin (b) Grant awards may be used for:
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new text begin (1) child interview or investigation programs and facilities;
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new text begin (2) coordination of or referral for support services; or
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new text begin (3) related statewide training programs.
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new text begin (c) To be eligible for a grant, a child advocacy center must facilitate the provision of
the following core services:
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new text begin (1) support and services for alleged child abuse victims and their families;
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new text begin (2) coordination of investigations of child abuse by providing a location for forensic
interviews;
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new text begin (3) promoting the coordination of services for children alleged to have been abused;
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new text begin (4) forensic medical examinations;
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new text begin (5) mental health and related support services;
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new text begin (6) court advocacy; and
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new text begin (7) consultation and training of multidisciplinary child protection teams.
new text end