The latest federal data underscores what we’ve been saying for years: Minnesota screens in fewer maltreatment reports than almost every other state.
The National Administration for Children and Families recently released its annual report on child maltreatment, which examined state and national data from 2022. The report found that Minnesota is screening in only 31 percent of maltreatment reports – one of the lowest rates in the country. The national screen-in rate is just over 50 percent.
One bright spot is that the average response time for cases that have been screened in has improved dramatically over the last four years, from 79 hours to 41 hours.
However, we know some children are waiting far longer than this because they’ve been inappropriately assigned to Family Assessment.
Curiously, Minnesota’s own state data from 2021, the most recent year available, reports that counties screened in 41 percent of maltreatment reports, which is higher than the federal report, but still lower than the national average.
Why is there a discrepancy between the federal data and the 2021 Minnesota Child Maltreatment Report? We’ve never been given a clear answer.
Regardless, the data suggests Minnesota is missing one opportunity after another to protect children when a report has been called in. This needs to change.
As a state that prides itself on education and other investments for children, we can’t afford to overlook those at high risk of abuse and neglect. Together, we can speak on behalf of children, who have no voice.
This does not surprise me. What we need to do is find out any and all areas where we need to change or improve what is currently in place, whether it be policies, procedures, etc.
We need to look at it and not just change, make it a significant and successful change. I also fully believe input from adults that were abused, and neglected as children would be significant and vital information. If we find the need, we can work on filling it and give our children all that is needed for their security, safety, and protection. Our children deserve no less than the best, no matter what. They are our future and therefore they need to be our priority!