Minnesota spends nearly $1 billion each year on its child welfare system. That money comes from a complicated mix of county, state and federal funds — but there is no clear, shared understanding of how those dollars are spent statewide.
Child welfare services are largely run by counties. Counties pay a significant share of the cost through local property taxes, which vary widely. That means funding levels — and the services children receive — can look very different depending on where a child lives.
Policymakers don’t have a complete picture of how funds are allocated, where gaps exist or how effectively Minnesota is using available federal dollars.
This year, we are advocating for a comprehensive review of child welfare spending across Minnesota. Last year, legislation to do just that (HF 2135) nearly passed.
Over the past several weeks, we’ve met with legislators and policymakers who agree that answers are needed to these questions:
- Where is the funding coming from?
- How is it being allocated to counties?
- How much, if any, is being left on the table — and why?
Children deserve the same level of protection and services — regardless of zip code. It’s time we get clarity around how Minnesota is investing in their safety and well-being.