SF 1035

as introduced - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 02/23/2012 09:59am

A bill for an act
relating to children; requiring cultural competency training for child protection
workers.

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

Section 1. new text begin CHILD WELFARE TRAINING.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Legislative findings. new text end

new text begin The legislature finds that children and families
of color are involved with the child welfare system at a much higher rate than are white
children and their families. In Minnesota in 2008, American Indian children were 12
times more likely than white children to spend time in out-of-home placement. African
American children were 5.3 times more likely to be in out-of-home placement. These
disparities in removal of children from their family homes are higher than in most other
states. There are many reasons for the disproportional involvement of children of color in
the child welfare system. Cross-cultural training on these issues and culturally specific
training developed in conjunction with affected communities of color should therefore
be part of the training required of all child welfare staff.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Core competency training. new text end

new text begin In consultation with Minnesota tribes and
communities of color, the commissioner of human services must develop and establish
cultural competency training. This training must be included as a core requirement for
foundation training of child protection workers.
new text end