reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256J — Minnesota Family Investment Program › Section 256J.55 — Participant Requirements, Rights, And Expectations.

256J.55 PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS, RIGHTS, AND EXPECTATIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Participation requirements.
(a) All caregivers must participate in employment services under sections 256J.515 to 256J.57 concurrent with receipt of MFIP assistance.
(b) Participants under paragraph (a) must develop and comply with an employment plan under section 256J.521 or section 256J.54 in the case of a participant under the age of 20 who has not obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent.
(c) With the exception of participants under the age of 20 who must meet the education requirements of section 256J.54, all participants must meet the hourly participation requirements of TANF or the hourly requirements listed in clauses (1) to (3), whichever is higher.
(1) In single-parent families with no children under six years of age, the job counselor and the caregiver must develop an employment plan that includes 130 hours per month of work activities.
(2) In single-parent families with a child under six years of age, the job counselor and the caregiver must develop an employment plan that includes 87 hours per month of work activities.
(3) In two-parent families, the job counselor and the caregivers must develop employment plans which result in a combined total of at least 55 hours per week of work activities.
(d) Failure to participate in employment services, including the requirement to develop and comply with an employment plan, including hourly requirements, without good cause under section 256J.57, shall result in the imposition of a sanction under section 256J.46.
Subd. 2.
Duty to report.
The participant must inform the job counselor within ten working days regarding any changes related to the participant's employment status.
Subd. 3.
Move to a different county.
MFIP applicants or recipients who move to a different county in Minnesota and are required to participate in employment and training services are subject to the requirements of the destination county. An employment plan that was developed in the county of origin may be continued in the destination county if both the destination county and the participant agree to do so.
Subd. 4.
Choice of provider.
MFIP caregivers must be able to choose from at least two employment and training service providers, unless the county has demonstrated to the commissioner that the provision of multiple employment and training service providers would result in financial hardship for the county, or the county is utilizing a workforce center as specified in section 256J.50, subdivision 8. Both parents in a two-parent family must choose the same employment and training service provider unless a special need, such as bilingual services, is identified but not available through one service provider.
Subd. 5.
[Repealed, 1Sp2003 c 14 art 1 s 107]
History:
1997 c 85 art 1 s 46; 1998 c 407 art 6 s 102; 1999 c 245 art 6 s 69; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 10 s 66; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 1 s 88,89; 2007 c 147 art 2 s 36; 2008 c 277 art 1 s 51
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256J — Minnesota Family Investment Program › Section 256J.561 — Universal Participation Required.

256J.561 UNIVERSAL PARTICIPATION REQUIRED.
Subdivision 1.
[Repealed, 2007 c 147 art 11 s 27]
Subd. 2.
Participation requirements.
(a) All MFIP caregivers, except caregivers who meet the criteria in subdivision 3, must develop an individualized employment plan that identifies the activities the participant is required to participate in and the required hours of participation.
(b) Participants who meet the eligibility requirements in section 256J.575, subdivision 3, must develop a family stabilization services plan that meets the requirements in section 256J.575, subdivision 5.
(c) Minor caregivers and caregivers who are less than age 20 who have not completed high school or obtained a commissioner of education-selected high school equivalency certification must develop an education plan that meets the requirements in section 256J.54.
(d) Participants with a family violence waiver must develop an employment plan that meets the requirements in section 256J.521, which cover the provisions in section 256J.575, subdivision 5.
(e) All other participants must develop an employment plan that meets the requirements of section 256J.521, subdivision 2, and contains allowable work activities, as defined in section 256J.49, subdivision 13. The employment plan must include, at a minimum, the number of participation hours required under section 256J.55, subdivision 1.
Subd. 3.
Child under 12 months of age.
(a) A participant who has a natural born child who is less than 12 months of age who meets the criteria in this subdivision is not required to participate in employment services until the child reaches 12 months of age. To be eligible for this exemption, the assistance unit must not have already used a total of 12 months under the previously allowed "child under 12 weeks" or "child under age one" exemptions. The 12 months of exemption are available only once in a caregiver's lifetime. In a two-parent household, only one parent is allowed to claim this exemption in any one month.
(b) The provision in paragraph (a) ends the first full month after the child reaches 12 months of age. The participant must meet with an employment services job counselor the month after the month the child reaches 12 months of age.
Subd. 4.
Parents receiving family and medical leave benefits.
A parent who meets the criteria under subdivision 2 and who receives benefits under chapter 268B is not required to participate in employment services.
[See Note.]
History:
1Sp2003 c 14 art 1 s 91; 2005 c 98 art 1 s 14; 2009 c 79 art 2 s 20,21; 2010 c 301 art 1 s 12; 1Sp2017 c 5 art 10 s 7; 2023 c 59 art 2 s 2
NOTE:
Subdivision 4, as added by Laws 2023, chapter 59, article 2, section 2, is effective January 1, 2026. Laws 2023, chapter 59, article 2, section 6.
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256J — Minnesota Family Investment Program › Section 256J.61 — Reporting Requirements.

256J.61 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
The commissioner of human services, in cooperation with the commissioner of employment and economic development, shall develop reporting requirements for county agencies and employment and training service providers according to section 256.01, subdivision 2, paragraph (p). Reporting requirements must, to the extent possible, use existing client tracking systems and must be within the limits of funds available. The requirements must include summary information necessary for state agencies and the legislature to evaluate the effectiveness of the services.
History:
1997 c 85 art 1 s 49; 2004 c 206 s 52; 2015 c 21 art 1 s 61
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256J — Minnesota Family Investment Program › Section 256J.645 — Indian Tribe Mfip Employment Services.

256J.645 INDIAN TRIBE MFIP EMPLOYMENT SERVICES.
Subdivision 1.
Authorization to enter into agreements.
Effective July 1, 1997, the commissioner may enter into agreements with federally recognized Indian tribes with a reservation in the state to provide MFIP employment services to members of the Indian tribe and to other caregivers who are a part of the tribal member's MFIP assistance unit. For purposes of this section, "Indian tribe" means a tribe, band, nation, or other federally recognized group or community of Indians. The commissioner may also enter into an agreement with a consortium of Indian tribes providing the governing body of each Indian tribe in the consortium complies with the provisions of this section.
Subd. 2.
Tribal requirements.
The Indian tribe must:
(1) agree to fulfill the responsibilities provided under the employment services component of MFIP regarding operation of MFIP employment services, as designated by the commissioner;
(2) operate its employment services program within a geographic service area not to exceed the counties within which a border of the reservation falls;
(3) operate its program in conformity with section 13.46 and any applicable federal regulations in the use of data about MFIP recipients;
(4) coordinate operation of its program with the county agency, Workforce Investment Act programs, and other support services or employment-related programs in the counties in which the tribal unit's program operates;
(5) provide financial and program participant activity record keeping and reporting in the manner and using the forms and procedures specified by the commissioner and permit inspection of its program and records by representatives of the state; and
(6) have the Indian tribe's employment service provider certified by the commissioner of employment and economic development, or approved by the county.
Subd. 3.
Funding.
If the commissioner and an Indian tribe are parties to an agreement under this subdivision, the agreement shall annually provide to the Indian tribe the funding allocated in section 256J.626.
Subd. 4.
County agency requirement.
Indian tribal members receiving MFIP benefits and residing in the service area of an Indian tribe operating employment services under an agreement with the commissioner must be referred by county agencies in the service area to the Indian tribe for employment services.
History:
1997 c 85 art 1 s 51; 1998 c 407 art 6 s 105; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 10 s 53; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 1 s 95; 2004 c 206 s 52
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256J — Minnesota Family Investment Program › Section 256J.66 — On-the-job Training.

256J.66 ON-THE-JOB TRAINING.
Subdivision 1.
Establishing the on-the-job training program.
(a) County agencies may develop on-the-job training programs for MFIP caregivers who are participating in employment and training services. A county agency that chooses to provide on-the-job training may make payments to employers for on-the-job training costs that, during the period of the training, must not exceed 50 percent of the wages paid by the employer to the participant. The payments are deemed to be in compensation for the extraordinary costs associated with training participants under this section and in compensation for the costs associated with the lower productivity of the participants during training.
(b) Employers must compensate participants in on-the-job training at the same rates, including periodic increases, as similarly situated employees or trainees and in accordance with applicable law, but in no event less than the federal or applicable state minimum wage, whichever is higher.
Subd. 2.
Training and placement.
(a) County agencies shall limit the length of training based on the complexity of the job and the caregiver's previous experience and training. Placement in an on-the-job training position with an employer is for the purpose of training and employment with the same employer who has agreed to retain the person upon satisfactory completion of training.
(b) Placement of any participant in an on-the-job training position must be compatible with the participant's assessment and employment plan under section 256J.521.
History:
1997 c 85 art 1 s 53; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 10 s 66; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 1 s 96; 2009 c 78 art 2 s 38; 2010 c 301 art 1 s 13
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256J — Minnesota Family Investment Program › Section 256J.69 — Grant Diversion.

256J.69 GRANT DIVERSION.
Subdivision 1.
Establishing the grant diversion program.
(a) County agencies may develop grant diversion programs for MFIP participants participating in employment and training services. A county agency that chooses to provide grant diversion may divert to an employer part or all of the MFIP cash payment for the participant's assistance unit, in compliance with federal regulations and laws. Such payments to an employer are to subsidize employment for MFIP participants as an alternative to public assistance payments.
(b) In addition to diverting the MFIP grant to the employer, employment and training funds may be used to subsidize the grant diversion placement.
(c) Participants in grant diversion shall be compensated by the employer at the same rates, including periodic increases, as similarly situated employees or trainees and in accordance with applicable law, but in no event less than the federal or applicable state minimum wage, whichever is higher.
Subd. 2.
Training and placement.
(a) County agencies shall limit the length of training to nine months. Placement in a grant diversion training position with an employer is for the purpose of training and employment with the same employer who has agreed to retain the person upon satisfactory completion of training.
(b) Placement of any participant in a grant diversion subsidized training position must be compatible with the assessment and employment plan or employability development plan established for the recipient under section 256J.521.
History:
1997 c 85 art 1 s 56; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 10 s 66; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 1 s 97
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256J — Minnesota Family Investment Program › Section 256J.74 — Relationship To Other Programs.

256J.74 RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PROGRAMS.
Subdivision 1.
Social services.
The county agency shall refer a participant for social services that are offered in the county of financial responsibility according to the criteria established by that county agency. A payment issued from federal funds under title XX of the Social Security Act, state funds under the Vulnerable Children and Adults Act, federal or state child welfare funds, or county funds in a payment month must not restrict MFIP eligibility or reduce the monthly assistance payment for that participant.
Subd. 2.
Concurrent eligibility, limitations.
(a) An individual whose needs have been otherwise provided for in another state, in whole or in part by county, state, or federal dollars during a month, is ineligible to receive MFIP for the month.
(b) A county agency must not count an applicant or participant as a member of more than one assistance unit in this state in a given payment month, except as provided in clauses (1) and (2).
(1) A participant who is a member of an assistance unit is eligible to be included in a second assistance unit the month after the month the participant joins the second unit.
(2) An applicant whose needs are met through federal, state, or local foster care payments for the first part of an application month is eligible to receive assistance for the remaining part of the month in which the applicant returns home. Foster care payments must be considered prorated payments rather than a duplication of MFIP need.
Subd. 3.
[Repealed, 1Sp2003 c 14 art 1 s 107]
Subd. 4.
[Repealed, 2013 c 107 art 4 s 22]
Subd. 5.
SNAP.
For any month an individual receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, the individual is not eligible for the MFIP food portion of assistance, except as provided under section 256J.28, subdivision 5.
History:
1997 c 85 art 1 s 58; 1998 c 407 art 6 s 106,107; 1999 c 245 art 6 s 79; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 10 s 66; 2005 c 98 art 1 s 15; 1Sp2011 c 9 art 1 s 20; 1Sp2019 c 9 art 1 s 42
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256J — Minnesota Family Investment Program › Section 256J.77 — Aging Of Cash Benefits.

256J.77 AGING OF CASH BENEFITS.
Cash benefits under chapters 256D, 256J, and 256K, except Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits under chapter 256D, by warrants or electronic benefit transfer that have not been accessed within 90 days of issuance shall be canceled. Cash benefits may be replaced after they are canceled, for up to one year after the date of issuance, if failure to do so would place the client or family at risk. For purposes of this section, "accessed" means cashing a warrant or making at least one withdrawal from benefits deposited in an electronic benefit account.
History:
1998 c 407 art 6 s 108; 2007 c 147 art 19 s 18; 1Sp2019 c 9 art 1 s 42
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256J — Minnesota Family Investment Program › Section 256J.78 — Tanf Demonstration Projects Or Waiver From Federal Rules And Regulations.

256J.78 TANF DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS OR WAIVER FROM FEDERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Duties of the commissioner.
The commissioner of human services may pursue TANF demonstration projects or waivers of TANF requirements from the United States Department of Health and Human Services as needed to allow the state to build a more results-oriented Minnesota Family Investment Program to better meet the needs of Minnesota families.
Subd. 2.
Purpose.
The purpose of the TANF demonstration projects or waivers is to:
(1) replace the federal TANF process measure and its complex administrative requirements with state-developed outcomes measures that track adult employment and exits from MFIP cash assistance;
(2) simplify programmatic and administrative requirements; and
(3) make other policy or programmatic changes that improve the performance of the program and the outcomes for participants.
Subd. 3.
Report to legislature.
The commissioner shall report to the members of the legislative committees having jurisdiction over human services issues by March 1, 2014, regarding the progress of this waiver or demonstration project.
History:
2013 c 108 art 3 s 32
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256J — Minnesota Family Investment Program › Section 256J.88 — Child-only Tanf Program.

256J.88 CHILD-ONLY TANF PROGRAM.
Children who receive assistance under this chapter, in which the assistance unit does not include a caregiver, but only includes a minor child, shall become part of the program established under this chapter.
History:
2000 c 488 art 10 s 24; 2006 c 212 art 3 s 22
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256K — Services For Homeless Families And Youth › Section 256K.451 — Minor Consent To Homeless And Sexually Exploited Youth Services.

256K.451 MINOR CONSENT TO HOMELESS AND SEXUALLY EXPLOITED YOUTH SERVICES.
A minor living separately from the minor's parent or legal guardian may give consent to receive homeless youth services and services for sexually exploited youth. A minor's consent to receive services does not affect a parent or legal guardian's custody of the minor.
History:
1Sp2020 c 2 art 5 s 59
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256L — Minnesotacare › Section 256L.01 — Definitions.

256L.01 DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Scope.
For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings given them.
Subd. 1a.
Child.
"Child" means an individual under 21 years of age.
Subd. 1b.
Affordable Care Act.
"Affordable Care Act" means the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law 111-148, as amended, including the federal Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, Public Law 111-152, and any amendments to, and any federal guidance or regulations issued under, these acts.
Subd. 2.
Commissioner.
"Commissioner" means the commissioner of human services.
Subd. 3.
Eligible providers.
"Eligible providers" means those health care providers who provide covered health services to medical assistance recipients under rules established by the commissioner for that program.
Subd. 3a.
Family.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d), "family" has the meaning given for family and family size as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 26, section 1.36B-1.
(b) The term includes children who are temporarily absent from the household in settings such as schools, camps, or parenting time with noncustodial parents.
(c) For an individual who does not expect to file a federal tax return and does not expect to be claimed as a dependent for the applicable tax year, "family" has the meaning given in Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 435.603(f)(3).
(d) For a married couple, "family" has the meaning given in Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 435.603(f)(4).
Subd. 4.
[Repealed, 2009 c 173 art 3 s 26]
Subd. 4a.
[Repealed, 2013 c 108 art 1 s 68]
Subd. 5.
Income.
"Income" has the meaning given for modified adjusted gross income, as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 26, section 1.36B-1, and means a household's projected annual income for the applicable tax year.
Subd. 6.
MNsure.
"MNsure" means the state health benefit exchange as defined in section 62V.02.
Subd. 7.
Participating entity.
"Participating entity" means a health carrier as defined in section 62A.01, subdivision 2; a county-based purchasing plan established under section 256B.692; an accountable care organization or other entity operating a health care delivery systems demonstration project authorized under section 256B.0755; an entity operating a county integrated health care delivery network pilot project authorized under section 256B.0756; or a network of health care providers established to offer services under MinnesotaCare.
History:
1986 c 444; 1987 c 403 art 2 s 63; 1988 c 689 art 2 s 137; 1989 c 282 art 3 s 33; 1990 c 568 art 3 s 14; 1992 c 549 art 4 s 2,19; 1993 c 345 art 9 s 1; 1998 c 407 art 5 s 7; 2000 c 444 art 2 s 5; 2002 c 374 art 10 s 13; 2005 c 98 art 2 s 15; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 8 s 55,56; 2007 c 147 art 5 s 18,19; 2009 c 173 art 3 s 18; 2013 c 108 art 1 s 28-32,67; 2015 c 71 art 11 s 46,47; 2016 c 189 art 19 s 20,21; 2021 c 30 art 1 s 19
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256L — Minnesotacare › Section 256L.06 — Premium Administration.

256L.06 PREMIUM ADMINISTRATION.
Subdivision 1.
[Repealed, 1998 c 407 art 5 s 48]
Subd. 2.
[Repealed, 1998 c 407 art 5 s 48]
Subd. 3.
Commissioner's duties and payment.
(a) Premiums are dedicated to the commissioner for MinnesotaCare.
(b) The commissioner shall develop and implement procedures to: (1) require enrollees to report changes in income; (2) adjust sliding scale premium payments, based upon both increases and decreases in enrollee income, at the time the change in income is reported; and (3) disenroll enrollees from MinnesotaCare for failure to pay required premiums. Failure to pay includes payment with a dishonored check, a returned automatic bank withdrawal, or a refused credit card or debit card payment. The commissioner may demand a guaranteed form of payment, including a cashier's check or a money order, as the only means to replace a dishonored, returned, or refused payment.
(c) Premiums are calculated on a calendar month basis and may be paid on a monthly, quarterly, or semiannual basis, with the first payment due upon notice from the commissioner of the premium amount required. The commissioner shall inform applicants and enrollees of these premium payment options. Premium payment is required before enrollment is complete and to maintain eligibility in MinnesotaCare. Premium payments received before noon are credited the same day. Premium payments received after noon are credited on the next working day.
(d) Nonpayment of the premium will result in disenrollment from the plan effective for the calendar month following the month for which the premium was due. Persons disenrolled for nonpayment may not reenroll prior to the first day of the month following the payment of an amount equal to two months' premiums.
(e) The commissioner shall forgive the past-due premium for persons disenrolled under paragraph (d) prior to issuing a premium invoice for the fourth month following disenrollment.
History:
1986 c 444; 1987 c 403 art 2 s 63; 1988 c 689 art 2 s 137; 1989 c 282 art 3 s 35; 1992 c 549 art 4 s 7,19; 1993 c 247 art 4 s 7; 1993 c 345 art 9 s 7; 1994 c 625 art 13 s 4; 1995 c 234 art 8 s 56; 1998 c 407 art 5 s 32; 1999 c 245 art 4 s 97; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 2 s 62; 2002 c 277 s 29; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113; 1Sp2003 c 14 art 12 s 77; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 8 s 68; 2008 c 358 art 3 s 9; 1Sp2011 c 9 art 6 s 97; 2013 c 108 art 1 s 53; 2015 c 71 art 11 s 55; 2016 c 189 art 19 s 26
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256L — Minnesotacare › Section 256L.10 — Appeals.

256L.10 APPEALS.
If the commissioner suspends, reduces, or terminates eligibility for the MinnesotaCare program, or services provided under the MinnesotaCare program, the commissioner must provide notification according to the laws and rules governing the medical assistance program. A MinnesotaCare program applicant or enrollee aggrieved by a determination of the commissioner has the right to appeal the determination according to section 256.045.
History:
1986 c 444; 1991 c 292 art 4 s 17; 1992 c 549 art 4 s 11,19; 1993 c 247 art 4 s 11; 1994 c 625 art 8 s 72
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256L — Minnesotacare › Section 256L.18 — Penalties.

256L.18 PENALTIES.
Whoever obtains or attempts to obtain, or aids or abets any person to obtain by means of a willfully false statement or representation, or by the intentional withholding or concealment of a material fact, or by impersonation, or other fraudulent device:
(1) benefits under the MinnesotaCare program to which the person is not entitled; or
(2) benefits under the MinnesotaCare program greater than that to which the person is reasonably entitled;
shall be considered to have violated section 256.98, and shall be subject to both the criminal and civil penalties provided under that section.
History:
1997 c 225 art 1 s 18
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256M — Vulnerable Children And Adults › Section 256M.01 — Citation.

256M.01 CITATION.
Sections 256M.01 to 256M.80 may be cited as the "Vulnerable Children and Adults Act." This act establishes a fund to address the needs of vulnerable children and adults within each county in accordance with a service plan entered into by the board of county commissioners of each county and the commissioner.
History:
1Sp2003 c 14 art 11 s 1; 1Sp2011 c 9 art 1 s 20
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256M — Vulnerable Children And Adults › Section 256M.10 — Definitions.

256M.10 DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Scope.
For the purposes of sections 256M.01 to 256M.80, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.
Subd. 2.
Vulnerable children and adults services.
(a) "Vulnerable children and adults services" means services provided or arranged for by county boards for vulnerable children under chapters 260C and 260E, and adults under section 626.557 who experience dependency, abuse, or neglect, as well as services for family members to support those individuals. These services may be provided by professionals or nonprofessionals, including the person's natural supports in the community. For the purpose of this chapter, "vulnerable children" means children and adolescents.
(b) Vulnerable children and adults services do not include services under the public assistance programs known as the Minnesota family investment program, Minnesota supplemental aid, medical assistance, general assistance, MinnesotaCare, or community health services.
Subd. 3.
Commissioner.
"Commissioner" means the commissioner of human services.
Subd. 4.
County board.
"County board" means the board of county commissioners in each county.
Subd. 5.
[Repealed, 1Sp2011 c 9 art 1 s 35]
Subd. 6.
Human Services Board.
"Human Services Board" means a board established under section 402.02; Laws 1974, chapter 293; or Laws 1976, chapter 340.
History:
1Sp2003 c 14 art 11 s 2,11; 2005 c 10 art 1 s 58; 1Sp2011 c 9 art 1 s 21; 2016 c 158 art 2 s 111; 1Sp2020 c 2 art 8 s 105
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256M — Vulnerable Children And Adults › Section 256M.30 — Service Plan.

256M.30 SERVICE PLAN.
Subdivision 1.
Service plan submitted to commissioner.
Effective January 1, 2012, each county must have a service plan approved by the commissioner in order to receive funds. Counties may submit multicounty or regional service plans. Plans must be updated as needed to reflect current county policy and procedures regarding requirements and use of funds under this chapter.
Subd. 2.
Contents.
The service plan shall be completed in a form prescribed by the commissioner. The plan must include:
(1) a statement of the needs of the vulnerable children and adults who experience the conditions defined in section 256M.10, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), and strengths and resources available in the community to address those needs;
(2) strategies the county will pursue to achieve the performance targets. Strategies must include specification of how funds under this section and other community resources will be used to achieve desired performance targets;
(3) a description of the county's process to solicit public input and a summary of that input;
(4) performance targets on statewide indicators for each county to measure outcomes of vulnerable children and adult's safety, permanency, and well-being. The commissioner shall consult with counties and other stakeholders to develop these indicators and collect baseline data to inform the establishment of individual county performance targets for the 2012-2013 biennium and subsequent years; and
(5) a budget for services to be provided with funds under this section.
Subd. 3.
[Repealed by amendment, 1Sp2011 c 9 art 1 s 25]
Subd. 4.
Information.
The commissioner shall provide each county with information and technical assistance needed to complete the service plan, including: information on child and adult safety, permanency, and well-being in the county; comparisons with other counties; baseline performance on outcome measures; and promising program practices.
Subd. 5.
Timelines.
The service plan must be submitted to the commissioner by October 15, 2011.
Subd. 6.
Public comment.
The county board must determine how citizens in the county will participate in the development of the service plan and provide opportunities for such participation. The county must allow a period of no less than 30 days prior to the submission of the plan to the commissioner to solicit comments from the public on the contents of the plan.
Subd. 7.
Commissioner's responsibilities.
The commissioner must inform the county if the service plan has been approved. If the service plan is not approved, the commissioner must inform the county of any revisions needed for approval.
History:
1Sp2003 c 14 art 11 s 4; 2005 c 98 art 3 s 20; 1Sp2011 c 9 art 1 s 25
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256M — Vulnerable Children And Adults › Section 256M.40 — Grant Allocation.

256M.40 GRANT ALLOCATION.
Subdivision 1.
Formula.
The commissioner shall allocate state funds appropriated under this chapter to each county board on a calendar year basis in an amount determined according to the formula in paragraphs (a) to (e).
(a) For calendar years 2011 and 2012, the commissioner shall allocate available funds to each county in proportion to that county's share in calendar year 2010.
(b) For calendar year 2013 and each calendar year thereafter, the commissioner shall allocate available funds to each county as follows:
(1) 75 percent must be distributed on the basis of the county share in calendar year 2012;
(2) five percent must be distributed on the basis of the number of persons residing in the county as determined by the most recent data of the state demographer;
(3) ten percent must be distributed on the basis of the number of vulnerable children that are subjects of reports under chapters 260C and 260E, and in the county as determined by the most recent data of the commissioner; and
(4) ten percent must be distributed on the basis of the number of vulnerable adults that are subjects of reports under section 626.557 in the county as determined by the most recent data of the commissioner.
(c) The commissioner is precluded from changing the formula under this subdivision or recommending a change to the legislature without public review and input.
Subd. 2.
[Repealed, 1Sp2005 c 4 art 3 s 20]
Subd. 3.
Payments.
Calendar year allocations under subdivision 1 shall be paid to counties on or before July 10 of each year.
History:
1Sp2003 c 14 art 11 s 5; 1Sp2005 c 4 art 5 s 14; 2006 c 212 art 1 s 26 subd 7; 1Sp2011 c 9 art 1 s 26; 2013 c 108 art 3 s 34; 1Sp2020 c 2 art 8 s 106
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256M — Vulnerable Children And Adults › Section 256M.41 — Child Protection Grant Allocation.

256M.41 CHILD PROTECTION GRANT ALLOCATION.
Subdivision 1.
Formula for county staffing funds.
(a) The commissioner shall allocate state funds appropriated under this section to each county board on a calendar year basis in an amount determined according to the following formula:
(1) 50 percent must be distributed on the basis of the child population residing in the county as determined by the most recent data of the state demographer;
(2) 25 percent must be distributed on the basis of the number of screened-in reports of child maltreatment under chapter 260E, and in the county as determined by the most recent data of the commissioner; and
(3) 25 percent must be distributed on the basis of the number of open child protection case management cases in the county as determined by the most recent data of the commissioner.
(b) Notwithstanding this subdivision, no county shall be awarded an allocation of less than $75,000.
Subd. 2.
Prohibition on supplanting existing funds.
Funds received under this section must be used to address staffing for child protection or expand child protection services. Funds must not be used to supplant current county expenditures for these purposes.
Subd. 3.
Payments.
The commissioner shall make payments under this section to each county on or before July 10 of each year.
Subd. 4.
County performance on child protection measures.
The commissioner shall set child protection measures and standards. The commissioner shall require an underperforming county to demonstrate that the county designated sufficient funds and implemented a reasonable strategy to improve child protection performance, including the provision of a performance improvement plan and additional remedies identified by the commissioner. The commissioner may redirect up to 20 percent of a county's funds under this section toward the performance improvement plan. Sanctions under section 256M.20, subdivision 3, related to noncompliance with federal performance standards also apply.
History:
2015 c 71 art 1 s 46; 1Sp2019 c 9 art 1 s 21,22; 1Sp2020 c 2 art 8 s 107
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256M — Vulnerable Children And Adults › Section 256M.50 — Federal Grant Allocation.

256M.50 FEDERAL GRANT ALLOCATION.
In federal fiscal year 2012 and subsequent years, money for social services received from the federal government to reimburse counties for social service expenditures according to title XX of the Social Security Act shall be allocated to each county according to section 256M.40, except for funds allocated for administrative purposes and migrant day care. Title XX funds must not be used for any expenditures prohibited by section 2005 of the Social Security Act and all federal certification requirements under title XX must be met by counties receiving title XX funds under this chapter.
History:
1Sp2003 c 14 art 11 s 6; 1Sp2011 c 9 art 1 s 27
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256M — Vulnerable Children And Adults › Section 256M.60 — Duties Of County Boards.

256M.60 DUTIES OF COUNTY BOARDS.
Subdivision 1.
Responsibilities.
The county board of each county shall be responsible for administration and funding of services as defined in section 256M.10, subdivision 1. Each county board shall singly or in combination with other county boards use funds available to the county under Laws 2003, First Special Session chapter 14, to carry out these responsibilities.
Subd. 2.
[Repealed, 1Sp2011 c 9 art 1 s 35]
Subd. 3.
Reports.
The county board shall provide necessary reports and data as required by the commissioner.
Subd. 4.
Contracts for services.
The county board may contract with a human services board, a multicounty board established by a joint powers agreement, other political subdivisions, a children's mental health collaborative, a family services collaborative, or private organizations in discharging its duties.
Subd. 5.
Exemption from liability.
The state of Minnesota, the county boards, or the agencies acting on behalf of the county boards in the implementation and administration of children and community services shall not be liable for damages, injuries, or liabilities sustained through the purchase of services by the individual, the individual's family, or the authorized representative under this section.
Subd. 6.
Fees for services.
The county board may establish a schedule of fees based upon clients' ability to pay to be charged to recipients of children and community services. Payment, in whole or in part, for services may be accepted from any person except that no fee may be charged to persons or families whose adjusted gross household income is below the federal poverty level. When services are provided to any person, including a recipient of aids administered by the federal, state, or county government, payment of any charges due may be billed to and accepted from a public assistance agency or from any public or private corporation.
History:
1Sp2003 c 14 art 11 s 7; 1Sp2011 c 9 art 1 s 28
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256M — Vulnerable Children And Adults › Section 256M.70 — Fiscal Limitations.

256M.70 FISCAL LIMITATIONS.
Subdivision 1.
[Repealed, 1Sp2011 c 9 art 1 s 35]
Subd. 2.
Identification of services to be provided.
If a county has made reasonable efforts to provide services according to the service plan under section 256M.30, but funds appropriated for purposes of sections 256M.01 to 256M.80 are insufficient, then the county may limit services that do not meet the following criteria while giving the highest funding priority to clauses (1) and (2):
(1) services needed to protect individuals from maltreatment, abuse, and neglect;
(2) emergency and crisis services needed to protect clients from physical, emotional, or psychological harm;
(3) services that maintain a person in the person's home or least restrictive setting;
(4) assessment of persons applying for services and referral to appropriate services when necessary; and
(5) public guardianship services.
Subd. 3.
Denial, reduction, or termination of services due to fiscal limitations.
Before a county denies, reduces, or terminates services to an individual due to fiscal limitations, the county must meet the requirements in this section. The county must notify the individual and the individual's guardian in writing of the reason for the denial, reduction, or termination of services and must inform the individual and the individual's guardian in writing that the county will, upon request, meet to discuss alternatives before services are terminated or reduced.
History:
1Sp2003 c 14 art 11 s 8; 1Sp2011 c 9 art 1 s 29
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256M — Vulnerable Children And Adults › Section 256M.80 — Program Evaluation.

256M.80 PROGRAM EVALUATION.
Subdivision 1.
County evaluation.
Each county shall submit to the commissioner data from the past calendar year on the outcomes and performance indicators in the service plan. The commissioner shall prescribe standard methods to be used by the counties in providing the data. The data shall be submitted no later than March 1 of each year.
Subd. 2.
Statewide evaluation.
Six months after the end of the first full calendar year and annually thereafter, the commissioner shall make public the counties' progress in improving the outcomes of vulnerable children and adults related to safety, permanency, and well-being.
History:
1Sp2003 c 14 art 11 s 9; 1Sp2011 c 9 art 1 s 30
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256N — Northstar Care For Children › Section 256N.001 — Citation.

256N.001 CITATION.
Sections 256N.001 to 256N.28 may be cited as the "Northstar Care for Children Act." Sections 256N.001 to 256N.28 establish Northstar Care for Children, which authorizes certain benefits to support a child in need who is served by the Minnesota child welfare system and who is the responsibility of the state, local county social service agencies, or tribal social service agencies authorized under section 256.01, subdivision 14b, or are otherwise eligible for federal adoption assistance. A child eligible under this chapter has experienced a child welfare intervention that has resulted in the child being placed away from the child's parents' care and is receiving foster care services consistent with chapter 260B, 260C, or 260D, or is in the permanent care of relatives through a transfer of permanent legal and physical custody, or in the permanent care of adoptive parents.
History:
2013 c 108 art 17 s 4
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256N — Northstar Care For Children › Section 256N.01 — Public Policy.

256N.01 PUBLIC POLICY.
(a) The legislature declares that the public policy of this state is to keep children safe from harm and to ensure that when children suffer harmful or injurious experiences in their lives, appropriate services are immediately available to keep them safe.
(b) Children do best in permanent, safe, nurturing homes where they can maintain lifelong relationships with adults. Whenever safely possible, children are best served when they can be nurtured and raised by their parents. Where services cannot be provided to allow a child to remain safely at home, an out-of-home placement may be required. When this occurs, reunification should be sought if it can be accomplished safely. When it is not possible for parents to provide safety and permanency for their children, an alternative permanent home must quickly be made available to the child, drawing from kinship sources whenever possible.
(c) Minnesota understands the importance of having a comprehensive approach to temporary out-of-home care and to permanent homes for children who cannot be reunited with their families. It is critical that stable benefits be available to caregivers to ensure that the child's needs can be met whether the child's situation and best interests call for temporary foster care, transfer of permanent legal and physical custody to a relative, or adoption. Northstar Care for Children focuses on the child's needs and strengths, and the actual level of care provided by the caregiver, without consideration for the type of placement setting. In this way caregivers are not faced with the burden of making specific long-term decisions based upon competing financial incentives.
History:
2013 c 108 art 17 s 5
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 245 - 267 — Public Welfare And Related Activities › Chapter 256N — Northstar Care For Children › Section 256N.20 — Northstar Care For Children; Generally.

256N.20 NORTHSTAR CARE FOR CHILDREN; GENERALLY.
Subdivision 1.
Eligibility.
A child is eligible for Northstar Care for Children if the child is eligible for:
(1) foster care under section 256N.21;
(2) Northstar kinship assistance under section 256N.22; or
(3) adoption assistance under section 256N.23.
Subd. 2.
Assessments.
Except as otherwise specified, a child eligible for Northstar Care for Children shall receive an assessment under section 256N.24.
Subd. 3.
Agreements.
When a child is eligible for Northstar kinship assistance or adoption assistance, negotiations with caregivers and the development of a written, binding agreement must be conducted under section 256N.25.
Subd. 4.
Benefits and payments.
A child eligible for Northstar Care for Children is entitled to benefits specified in section 256N.26, based primarily on assessments under section 256N.24, and, if appropriate, negotiations and agreements under section 256N.25. Although paid to the caregiver, these benefits must be considered benefits of the child rather than of the caregiver.
Subd. 5.
Federal, state, and local shares.
The cost of Northstar Care for Children must be shared among the federal government, state, counties of financial responsibility, and certain tribes as specified in section 256N.27.
Subd. 6.
Administration and appeals.
The commissioner and financially responsible agency, or other agency designated by the commissioner, shall administer Northstar Care for Children according to section 256N.28. The notification and fair hearing process applicable to this chapter is defined in section 256N.28.
Subd. 7.
Transition.
A child in foster care, relative custody assistance, or adoption assistance prior to January 1, 2015, who remains with the same caregivers, continues to receive benefits under programs preceding Northstar Care for Children, unless the child moves to a new foster care placement, permanency is obtained for the child, or the commissioner initiates transition of a child receiving pre-Northstar Care for Children relative custody assistance, Northstar kinship assistance, or adoption assistance under this chapter. Provisions for the transition to Northstar Care for Children for certain children in preceding programs are specified in section 256N.28, subdivisions 2 and 7. Additional provisions for children in: foster care are specified in section 256N.21, subdivision 6; relative custody assistance under section 257.85 are specified in section 256N.22, subdivision 12; and adoption assistance under chapter 259A are specified in section 256N.23, subdivision 13.
History:
2013 c 108 art 17 s 7; 2014 c 312 art 25 s 34