Date & Time
Tuesday | April 14th, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Location
Minnesota State Capitol Building
75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
St Paul, MN 55155
As Minnesotans, if we discovered there was a virus or disease that claimed the lives of 44 children in a 19-month period, we would direct millions toward research and prevention. It would be all over the news. It would become the top issue for the Minnesota Department of Health.
The reality is that abuse and neglect have killed at least 44 children in a 19-month period, as outlined in our latest child fatality report.
An average of two children each month die at the hands of their caregivers, mostly parents. Thousands more survive sexual abuse, beatings, torture, starvation, drug ingestion, gunshot wounds and other acts defined as maltreatment.
This is unconscionable and unacceptable.
On April 14, we have a chance to talk with legislators about opportunities for meaningful change.
As we enter the 2026 legislative session, here’s a brief overview of our top concerns – and where we’re planning to focus some of our efforts.
Displaying Posters about Signs of Abuse
Most people don’t know how to recognize signs of abuse in children. When Rep. Nolan West noticed bruises on his infant daughter, he assumed it was from multiple accidents at daycare. He later discovered his daughter was being physically abused. Children under age 3 are at significantly higher risk for abuse than older children.
In general, babies shouldn’t “bruise before they cruise.” And toddlers shouldn’t have bruises on their torso, ears or neck. By educating the general public about these and other simple messages, we can protect more children from harm.
The posters would be based on the clinically recognized TEN-4-FACESp pneumonic and would be displayed in licensed child care facilities in Minnesota.
Protecting Minnesota’s Volunteer Guardian ad Litem Program
A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a court-appointed advocate who represents the best interests of a child in court proceedings. Unlike a lawyer, a GAL presents his or her findings and recommendations to the court. Those findings and recommendations are taken into consideration by the judge when deciding where to place the child.
Theoretically, every child involved in abuse or neglect cases should have a GAL, but many do not.
In Minnesota, GALs may be employed by the state or they may be trained volunteers. We propose legislation that recognizes both as part of Minnesota’s statewide GAL program.
Ordering a Fiscal Analysis of Child Welfare Spending in Minnesota
Child protection services are funded through a variety of local, state and federal sources. However, many counties are woefully underfunded due to the fact that much of the funding comes from property taxes.
We believe all children should be treated, protected and served equally — regardless of their zip code.
Minnesota spends close to $1 billion on child welfare funding. Where does this funding come from? How is it being allocated to counties? How can we secure additional federal funding? These are some of the questions we hope to answer through a fiscal analysis study on Minnesota’s child welfare spending.
If you’ve never met with your legislator, that’s okay. You don’t need to have a background in social services or medicine; you just need to have a heart for at-risk children. We’ll provide all the training and information you need for brief meetings with your representatives.
Agenda for the day
(subject to slight modifications)
10:00-10:30 a.m.
Press Conference (all are welcome to attend)
Location: Basement of the Capitol building — Press Conference Room B971
11:00-11:30 a.m.
Safe Passage Day at the Capitol education
Location: Ground level of the Centennial Office Building — Ladyslipper Room
12:30-2:30 p.m.
Individual and group meetings with legislators
Location: Meeting times and locations will be provided at 11:00 a.m. during check-in.
Event Information
Maps
State Capitol Complex and Visitor Parking Map (PDF) – Full map of all buildings and parking and transportation options, including disability parking spaces.
State Capitol Building Floor Map (PDF) – Map of the Capitol building including restrooms, elevators, and water fountains.
Parking Options
- FREE PARKING is available in the Sears parking lot at 425 Rice St, St. Paul, MN 55103
- Ramp F – enter off Rice Street
- Lot Q – northeast corner of Cedar St and Sherburne Ave, enter from Sherburne Ave
- Street Parking
Visit the Department of Admin’s Public Parking page for information about street parking, disability parking, bicycle racks, EV charging stations, and more.
Public transportation
Several Metro Transit bus stops and Green Line light rail stops will bring you within a block of the Capitol Complex.
Accessible Parking & Drop-off
20 disability parking spots are located in the Senate Office Building for no cost. Coming from Rice Street on Sherburne Ave., take a right onto Capitol Blvd. and then another right into the parking garage. The door will automatically open when you approach it. Take the elevator to access the tunnel system and follow signs to the capitol.
Use the bus cut-out on Cedar Ave. for drop-off. Drop off and pick up on Cedar Street (east of Capitol) and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The ground floor entrance (under front steps) is wheelchair accessible.
Accessibility Statement
The State Capitol welcomes all visitors. We recognize the diverse needs of our audience and strive to offer accessible programming to enable all visitors to explore this historic site.
However, accessibility for guests with limited mobility can be challenging at our historic sites due to historic and natural features. With advance notice, we will make every effort to respond to access needs.
Our goal is to provide as much information as possible to guests before their visit to any of our sites and museums.
If you have additional questions about accessibility or other needs, please contact the Minnesota State Capitol at 651-259-3292 or statecapitol@mnhs.org.
Capitol Visits
Interested in touring the Capitol that day? There are free guided tours starting at the top of the hour and lasting about 45 minutes. You will learn more about the building’s history, art and architecture. Visit the information desk on the first floor.
Media Release:
By registering for this event, I hereby authorize Safe Passage for Children of Minnesota permission to use the voice, name and/or photographic likenesses of myself or the minor child/children I’ve registered for any and all media, worldwide in perpetuity such as but not limited to use in stories, photographs and video, including the editing, reproduction or reproduction of parts thereof for publication of said stories, photographs and film, in social media, online video, television, website and printed promotional materials distributed or published for or on behalf of Safe Passage for Children of Minnesota. I waive any right to inspect and approve the finished product or copy that may be used or the use to which it may be applied. I waive all claims for any compensation or damages for myself or the minor child/children for such use of said stories, photographs and video explicitly. I expressly agree that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of Minnesota and that this Release shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota. I agree that in the event that any clause or provision of this Release is deemed invalid, the enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected.