Item Description:
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JPA A2512836 with MN DHS to fund implementation of the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act SFY 2025 and 2026, 10/01/24-06/30/26, $500,000 (recv)
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that Joint Powers Agreement A2512836 with Minnesota Department of Human Services to fund implementation of the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act SFY 2025 and 2026, during the period of October 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026, in the receivable amount of $500,000 be approved; that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the county; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a supplemental appropriation of $250,000 to the 2025 Human Services and Public Health budget be approved; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that sponsorship and acceptance of this funding for this program by Hennepin County Board of Commissioners does not imply a continued funding commitment by Hennepin County for this program when funds are no longer available.
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Background:
Hennepin County Children and Family Services has received funds from the Minnesota Department of Human Services to phase-in the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act SFY 2025 and 2026. Funding will also support the implementation and administration of the African American and Disproportionality Represented Family Preservation Grants.
The purpose of the act and funding is to promote the stability and security of African American and disproportionately represented children and their families by establishing minimum standards to prevent arbitrary and unnecessary removal from their families. If children are removed, the goal is to improve permanency outcomes, including family reunification, for African American and disproportionately represented children.
This action supports the county’s disparity reduction efforts by establishing requirements to prevent the out-of-home placement of African American or disproportionately represented children, including providing active efforts and developing a safety plan. This action works to prevent entry into the child welfare system and to reduce deep end involvement for those BIPOC families and disproportionately represented children in the child protection system.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval