Section 1 (256E.29) establishes the “grant program to implement the child well-being model.”

Subdivision 1 defines terms.

Subdivision 2 requires the commissioner to award grants within available appropriations to up to three local social services agencies for projects and initiatives to promote child well-being and achieve positive outcomes for children.  This subdivision lists the activities by which child well-being is promoted.

Subdivision 3 requires the commissioner to develop criteria, procedures, and deadlines to award the grants. Grants may supplement but not supplant existing child welfare funding. The commissioner is authorized to waive exiting requirements under state law and rule if necessary to implement to the program.

Subdivision 4 specifies the grant program criteria. The commissioner shall award at least one grant to an urban area and one to a rural area.

Subdivision 5 requires the grantees to establish measureable outcomes to determine the effectiveness of the grant program, which must be completed before grant funds are awarded.

Subdivision 6 requires the commissioner to conduct an evaluation using the outcomes established under subdivision 5.  Grant recipients are required to cooperate with the commissioner in the evaluation. The commissioner is required to submit a report by December 1, 2019, and by December 1 of the second year of the biennium in which grants are made under this section.

Section 2 appropriates:

Paragraph (a) appropriates $10,000,000 for purpose of the grant program under section 1.

Paragraph (b) appropriates $33,350,000 per year of the biennium for child protection staffing a services under Minnesota Statutes, section 256M.41.