2001 Minnesota Statutes

     626.5591 Child protection workers; training; advisory 
  committee. 

    Subdivision 1.    Definitions.  As used in this section, 
 the following terms have the meanings given unless the specific 
 context indicates otherwise: 

    (a) "Child protection agency" means an agency authorized to 
 receive reports, conduct assessments and investigations, and 
 make determinations pursuant to section 626.556, subdivision 10. 

    (b) "Child protection services" means the receipt and 
 assessment of reports of child maltreatment and the provision of 
 services to families and children when maltreatment has occurred 
 or when there is risk of maltreatment.  These services include:  
 (1) the assessment of risk to a child alleged to have been 
 abused or neglected; (2) interviews of any person alleged to 
 have abused or neglected a child and the child or children 
 involved in the report, and interviews with persons having facts 
 or knowledge necessary to assess the level of risk to a child 
 and the need for protective intervention; (3) the gathering of 
 written or evidentiary materials; (4) the recording of case 
 findings and determinations; and (5) other actions required by 
 section 626.556, administrative rule, or agency policy. 

    (c) "Competency-based training" means a course of 
 instruction that provides both information and skills practice, 
 which is based upon clearly stated and measurable instructional 
 objectives, and which requires demonstration of the achievement 
 of a particular standard of skills and knowledge for 
 satisfactory completion. 

    (d) "Foundation training" means training provided to a 
 local child protection worker after the person has begun to 
 perform child protection duties, but before the expiration of 
 six months of employment as a child protection worker.  This 
 foundation training must occur during the performance of job 
 duties and must include an evaluation of the employee's 
 application of skills and knowledge. 

    (e) "Advanced training" means training provided to a local 
 child protection worker after the person has performed an 
 initial six months of employment as a child protection worker. 

    Subd. 2.    Training program; development.  The 
 commissioner of human services shall develop a program of 
 competency-based foundation and advanced training for child 
 protection workers if funds are appropriated to the commissioner 
 for this purpose. 

    HIST: 1988 c 630 s 2; 1993 c 306 s 22