2022 Minnesota Statutes

260E.17 RESPONSE PATH ASSIGNMENT.

Subdivision 1.Local welfare agency.

(a) Upon receipt of a report, the local welfare agency shall determine whether to conduct a family assessment or an investigation as appropriate to prevent or provide a remedy for maltreatment.

(b) The local welfare agency shall conduct an investigation when the report involves sexual abuse or substantial child endangerment.

(c) The local welfare agency shall begin an immediate investigation if, at any time when the local welfare agency is using a family assessment response, the local welfare agency determines that there is reason to believe that sexual abuse or substantial child endangerment or a serious threat to the child's safety exists.

(d) The local welfare agency may conduct a family assessment for reports that do not allege sexual abuse or substantial child endangerment. In determining that a family assessment is appropriate, the local welfare agency may consider issues of child safety, parental cooperation, and the need for an immediate response.

(e) The local welfare agency may conduct a family assessment on a report that was initially screened and assigned for an investigation. In determining that a complete investigation is not required, the local welfare agency must document the reason for terminating the investigation and notify the local law enforcement agency if the local law enforcement agency is conducting a joint investigation.

Subd. 2.Responsible social service agency.

The responsible agency shall conduct an investigation when the report alleges maltreatment in a facility required to be licensed or certified under chapter 144H, 245A, 245D, or 245H; under sections 144.50 to 144.58 and 241.021; in a school as defined in section 120A.05, subdivisions 9, 11, and 13, and chapter 124E; or in a nonlicensed personal care provider association as defined in section 256B.0625, subdivision 19a.

History:

1Sp2020 c 2 art 7 s 17