The Legislative Task Force on the Protection of Children is tasked with ensuring that the timelines outlined in the child protection provisions passed by the legislature in 2015 are met. October 1, 2015, was the deadline for updating the Child Maltreatment Intake, Screening and Response Path Guidelines that are to be implemented by all child protection agencies and tribes across the state by January 1, 2016.

The revised guidelines reflect substantial changes passed in the 2015 legislative session and those recommended by the Governor’s Task Force on the Protection of Children. The Intake, Screening and Response Path Guidelines Work Group, which was led by the Department of Human Services and included CASCW staff, the Minnesota County Attorney Association, State Public Defender, Minnesota Association of County Social Service Administrators, county child welfare agency staff, parent leader consultants, mandated reporters and others, developed the revised guidelines.

The guidelines’ purpose is to:

  • Provide direction for local child welfare agencies
  • Promote statewide consistency in definition and practice
  • Inform the public about types of child safety concerns that should be reported.

A further revision of these guidelines will be published in January 2016, with input from child protection agency staff.

One major change in this revision directs child welfare agencies to ensure 24-hour coverage to respond to child maltreatment reports alleging imminent danger, and not delegate that responsibility to law enforcement.

Another change requires immediate (within 24 hours) cross-notification of child maltreatment reports, both screened in and screened out, between child welfare agencies and law enforcement.

The Rapid Consultation System, operated by DHS, provides consultation to county and tribal child welfare staff by request for assistance with making decisions in challenging situations. Agency staff may contact the toll-free number to request consultation and a team will be made available via telephone within 24 hours of the request.

Several trainings will take place throughout October to inform child protection staff of these and other changes to the guidelines.