S.F. 2297 and H.F. 1899 were signed into law by Governor Dayton on April 4, 2012. This law, known as Jacob’s Law, requires both parents to be notified if their child is a possible victim of abuse, neglect or sexual assault. This petition was brought forth by Sarah Guggisberg of Clara City, MN whose son was abused by a neighbor. Ms. Guggisberg is also working to make change at the national level.
Under this law (effective July 1, 2012), parents will be required to notify the other parent of maltreatment involving their child(ren). This law also requires parents to notify the other parent of the name of the law enforcement agency or other agency assigned to the case. 
Special Cases:
- There is no duty to notify if the party to be notified is the alleged perpetrator.
- There is no duty to notify if the party is a victim of domestic violence.
- If the party is a victim of domestic violence and the other party is aware of the alleged maltreatment that party must send notification to the designated address.
- Third party notification may be required if there is a court order or law prohibiting communication between the parties.
Also, April is Child Abuse Prevention Month!
How do you think this law will impact the families we serve? Do you think this law will help or hinder a relative search, if placement in needed?
*picture courtesy of www.change.org
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