Child Welfare Structure and Financing Proposal

What: Review and recommend changes to the structure and financing for Minnesota’s child welfare system to provide funding that is adequate and stable to support services for the safety and permanency of Minnesota children.

 

Questions:

  • What is the scope? (group should define)

  • How do we preserve progress we have made in child welfare safety and permanency in recent years in light of potentially changing resources?

  • How can we best align funding with responsibilities?

  • What are our highest funding priorities?

  • What are some short  term vs. long term issues/solutions?

  • What political realities may limit (or enhance) the viability of this group’s recommendations?

How:

  •  Facilitated discussion/meetings

  • Staffed by DHS – with assistance from counties

  • 4-5 meetings anticipated

  • Background work to be developed prior to first meeting

When: Summer through October ‘06 to address short-term issues

 

Who:

  • Leadership jointly provided by DHS and counties

  • DHS/Counties convene larger group to include tribal reps, courts, corrections, non-profit, councils of color, academics, etc.

  • Potential for staffing/convening support from Citizens’ League (perhaps longer-term)

  • MACSSA/DHS Children’s Partnership Group to serve as sounding board and subject matter experts.

Meeting Notes

Stakeholder Summaries

Meeting Materials/Presentations

Membership