The legislature hereby declares that the public policy of this state is to protect children whose health or welfare may be jeopardized through maltreatment. While it is recognized that most parents want to keep their children safe, sometimes circumstances or conditions interfere with their ability to do so. When this occurs, the health and safety of the children must be of paramount concern. Intervention and prevention efforts must address immediate concerns for child safety and the ongoing risk of maltreatment and should engage the protective capacities of families. In furtherance of this public policy, it is the intent of the legislature under this chapter to:

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Terms Used In Minnesota Statutes 260E.01

  • 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

  • Maltreatment: means any of the following acts or omissions:

    (1) egregious harm under subdivision 5;

    (2) neglect under subdivision 15;

    (3) physical abuse under subdivision 18;

    (4) sexual abuse under subdivision 20;

    (5) substantial child endangerment under subdivision 22;

    (6) threatened injury under subdivision 23;

    (7) mental injury under subdivision 13; and

    (8) maltreatment of a child in a facility. See Minnesota Statutes 260E.03

  • state: extends to and includes the District of Columbia and the several territories. See Minnesota Statutes 645.44

(1) protect children and promote child safety;

(2) strengthen the family;

(3) make the home, school, and community safe for children by promoting responsible child care in all settings, including through the reporting of child maltreatment;

(4) provide protective, family support, and family preservation services when appropriate; and

(5) provide, when necessary, a safe temporary or permanent home environment for maltreated children.