October Updates from CASCW at the Capitol

CASCW at the Capitol featuring Child welfare policy updates

CACSW has compiled noteworthy state and national legislative developments below. If you don’t see a news item listed that you think should be, please send additional information to Matthew Dooley, Outreach Graduate Assistant, at dool0068@umn.edu

We want to hear from you! 
CACSW is interested in highlighting the legislative projects of Minnesota child welfare professionals, advocates, and community groups. Please consider sharing your perspectives and priorities for the upcoming legislative session here for publication in future issues.

Opportunities and Events

Election Day, Tues., Nov. 5
NASW-MN’s recent webinar, “Election Engagement," shared several important resources for the upcoming election, including its list of endorsed candidates for this year’s elections. Vot-ER, a nonpartisan organization empowering social work professionals to empower individuals to vote, also has available resources. Also consider using the Ballot Buddy App, a voting guide to empower clients to access nonpartisan information on candidates as well as voting information.

MSSA Advocacy Webinars, Nov. 14 and 21, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
The Minnesota Social Services Association’s webinar series offers attendees the chance to learn about MSSA’s legislative priorities (Nov 14), and learn advocacy skills (Nov 21). Attendance can count towards CEUs.

The Esther Wattenberg Policy Forum, Dec. 12, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
This year’s forum recognizes the disability culture and leadership specialist at Advocating Change Together and Maplewood City Councilmember, Nikki Villavicencio for her work on accessibility and inclusion. It also will feature a keynote address from Dr. Marjorie Aunos.

RSVP and learn more about the event here.

MSSA Day at the Capitol, March 4, 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Gather with other advocates from across Minnesota at the State Capitol to learn, explore, and meet with your lawmakers. MSSA will provide an orientation session, assistance with navigating the Capitol complex, and support during meetings with lawmakers as well as lunch. Register by Feb. 19 by emailing Michelle SanCartier at msancartier@mnssa.org.

Safe Passage Advocacy for Children Day, April 25, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
Learn more and register.

Legislative Updates 

President Biden Issues Historic Apology for U.S. Indian Boarding School Atrocities
President Biden issued an apology for the US government’s long-running era of Indian boarding school abuses during a visit to the Gila River Indian Reservation.

DCYF Engagement and Equity Update
The Department of Children, Youth and Families’ Implementation Office recently released a report summarizing the results of its efforts to partners, providers and parents.

US Senator Alleges Abuse, Medicaid Fraud in Youth Facilities
Senator Ron Wyden has asked Attorney General Merrick Garland to open investigations into the practices of Acadia Healthcare, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, United HealthCare Services, and Vivant Behavioral Healthcare following the release of a Senate Finance Committee’s report which found widespread abuse, neglect, and mismanagement.

MN Supreme Court Hears Challenge to ICWA
Attorneys representing foster parents challenged the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act during arguments before the state Supreme Court on September 30. The Court is not expected to issue a ruling for several months.

New Report on Reducing Child Welfare Involvement
A new report from the Center for Health Care Strategies,  “Preventing Child Welfare System Involvement: Opportunities for Primary Care and Medicaid to Advance Health Equity,” outlines practices for primary health providers to reduce unnecessary child welfare system involvement.

University of Minnesota Emeritus Faculty Applauds Disability Reforms
Dr. Elizabeth Lightfoot’s editorial published on Phsy.org praised a federal ban on discriminating against parents with disabilities within the child welfare system.

New Legislation Database Provides Child Welfare Legislation from 2012 to Present
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) now has an online child welfare legislation database that includes all enacted legislation from 2012 to the present. NCSL updates the database weekly, and users can search by state and topic.

DCYF Reports and Bulletins

DCYF Bulletin Addresses Youth Trafficking
Minnesota’s Department of Children, Youth and Families recently released a bulletin detailing best practices in responding to trafficking and exploitation of youth.

DHS updates Response Paths for Intake/Screening Processes and Resource Guide for mandated reporters
Minnesota’s Department of Human Services recently released updates to important response paths in the child welfare system.

All DCYF and DHS bulletins related to child welfare and similar topics can be found here.

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