February 21, 2012
We found that child protection agencies in Minnesota vary in their screening decisions and practices, but their approaches are generally reasonable. Many factors appear to contribute to variation in child protection screening decisions, including vague statutory language, agency guidelines, and resources. The Minnesota Department of Human Services has provided screening-related assistance that child protection agencies value, but the department could do more. We make recommendations to the Legislature, department, and child protection agencies to clarify state policy, guide agency practice, and improve data on child protection screening.*Supplemental Items (These did not appear in the printed report.)
