February 17 has been circled on our calendar for months. It marks the start of Minnesota’s legislative session—and the moment we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work. Each session brings an important chance to make kids safer and strengthen the systems meant to protect them.
This year, our work focuses on three main goals: preventing harm before it happens, making sure every child has a voice in court, and bringing more clarity to how the child welfare system is funded.
We are working to help the public—especially parents—recognize signs of abuse. Young children face the highest risk of abuse, neglect, and death. That’s why we believe child care centers should share clear information about warning signs adults can look for to help keep children safe.
We are also working to protect Minnesota’s volunteer Guardian ad Litem program so children in abuse or neglect cases have someone whose role is to speak up for them. Every child should have a Guardian ad Litem, but many do not. Volunteer advocates help fill these gaps, and Minnesota’s system depends on them.
Finally, we are urging lawmakers to take a closer look at how Minnesota spends nearly $1 billion each year on child welfare. The funding comes from many different sources, and it’s often unclear how well it is working or where changes are needed.
As the session begins, Safe Passage is ready to build on momentum and push for reforms that put children first, made possible by supporters like you.