Earlier this week we met with the state’s new Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to discuss a number of concerns related to the training being delivered to mandated reporters, such as teachers and health care workers.
The training portrays child protection as potentially harmful to the family and includes mixed messages that could discourage reporting. Additionally, there is inadequate training on signs of abuse. We’ve requested that the training be redeveloped – and include input from a variety of subject matter experts, such as child abuse pediatricians.
The state is listening and has already agreed to several changes. But more work needs to be done. During the meeting, Representative Jim Nash said, “I will not back down from this issue. I will not allow kids who are being abused to go unnoticed and unreported like what happened to me.”
Safe Passage will continue to advocate for a complete overhaul of the state’s mandated reporter training.
If we don’t speak up, who will?
Safe Passage is the only organization whose primary mission is legislative advocacy to push back against child welfare policies that favor the interests of parents and communities over the safety and best interests of children.
Next week, on Thursday, November 21, Safe Passage will participate in Give to the Max Day, Minnesota’s giving holiday. We appreciate any support you can offer by donating on or before November 21 to help us raise our Give to the Max Day goal of $5,000. These funds will fuel our mission to continue advocating on behalf of children – especially as we prepare for the 2025 legislative season.
