Minnesota Statutes 260C.223 – Concurrent Permanency Planning
Subdivision 1.Program; goals.
(a) The commissioner of human services shall establish a program for concurrent permanency planning for child protection services.
Terms Used In Minnesota Statutes 260C.223
- Agency: means the responsible social services agency or a licensed child-placing agency. See Minnesota Statutes 260C.007
- Child: means an individual under 18 years of age. See Minnesota Statutes 260C.007
- children: includes children by birth or adoption;
(9) "day" comprises the time from midnight to the next midnight;
(10) "fiscal year" means the year by or for which accounts are reckoned;
(11) "hereafter" means a reference to the time after the time when the law containing such word takes effect;
(12) "heretofore" means a reference to the time previous to the time when the law containing such word takes effect;
(13) "judicial sale" means a sale conducted by an officer or person authorized for the purpose by some competent tribunal;
(14) "minor" means an individual under the age of 18 years;
(15) "money" means lawful money of the United States;
(16) "night time" means the time from sunset to sunrise;
(17) "non compos mentis" refers to an individual of unsound mind;
(18) "notary" means a notary public;
(19) "now" in any provision of a law referring to other laws in force, or to persons in office, or to any facts or circumstances as existing, relates to the laws in force, or to the persons in office, or to the facts or circumstances existing, respectively, on the effective date of such provision;
(20) "verified" when used in reference to writings, means supported by oath or affirmation. See Minnesota Statutes 645.45
- Court: means juvenile court unless otherwise specified in this section. See Minnesota Statutes 260C.007
- Foster care: means 24-hour substitute care for a child for whom a responsible social services agency has placement and care responsibility and:
(1) who is placed away from the child's parent or guardian in foster family homes, foster homes of relatives, group homes, emergency shelters, residential facilities not excluded in this subdivision, child care institutions, and preadoptive homes;
(2) who is colocated with the child's parent or guardian in a licensed residential family-based substance use disorder treatment program as defined in subdivision 22a; or
(3) who is returned to the care of the child's parent or guardian from whom the child was removed under a trial home visit pursuant to section 260C. See Minnesota Statutes 260C.007
- Permanency plan: means the established goal in the out-of-home placement plan that will achieve a safe, permanent home for the child. See Minnesota Statutes 260C.007
- state: extends to and includes the District of Columbia and the several territories. See Minnesota Statutes 645.44
(b) Concurrent permanency planning involves a planning process for children who are placed out of the home of their parents pursuant to a court order, or who have been voluntarily placed out of the home by the parents for 60 days or more and who are not developmentally disabled or emotionally disabled under section 260C.212, subdivision 9. The responsible social services agency shall develop an alternative permanency plan while making reasonable efforts for reunification of the child with the family, if required by section 260.012. The goals of concurrent permanency planning are to:
(1) achieve early permanency for children;
(2) decrease children’s length of stay in foster care and reduce the number of moves children experience in foster care; and
(3) develop a group of families who will work towards reunification and also serve as permanent families for children.
Subd. 2.Development of guidelines and protocols.
The commissioner shall establish guidelines and protocols for social services agencies involved in concurrent permanency planning, including criteria for conducting concurrent permanency planning based on relevant factors such as:
(1) age of the child and duration of out-of-home placement;
(2) prognosis for successful reunification with parents;
(3) availability of relatives and other concerned individuals to provide support or a permanent placement for the child; and
(4) special needs of the child and other factors affecting the child’s best interests.
In developing the guidelines and protocols, the commissioner shall consult with interest groups within the child protection system, including child protection workers, child protection advocates, county attorneys, law enforcement, community service organizations, the councils of color, and the ombudsperson for families.
Subd. 3.Parental involvement and disclosure.
Concurrent permanency planning programs must include involvement of parents and full disclosure of their rights and responsibilities; goals of concurrent permanency planning; support services that are available for families; permanency options; and the consequences of not complying with case plans.
Subd. 4.Technical assistance.
The commissioner of human services shall provide ongoing technical assistance, support, and training for responsible social services agencies and other individuals and agencies involved in concurrent permanency planning.
Subd. 5.Availability of funding.
The requirements of this section relating to concurrent permanency planning are effective only for state fiscal years when aid is distributed for concurrent permanency planning.