Northstar Care for Children
The Northstar Care for Children Act is a state law which took effect Jan. 1, 2015. It made significant changes in programs creating a uniform set of benefits and processes for children age 6 and older in foster care, former foster children whose legal custody has been transferred to a relative, and former foster children who have been adopted. Although not uniform, children age 5 and younger also fall within the unified benefits and processes. Northstar Care for Children assists the families caring for children and support permanency for foster children. The previous programs continue for current children and will be phased out over time.
Northstar Care Overview and Update
The department provided information and training in preparation for the 2015 implementation. Here is an overview (from a presentation to Leech Lake and White Earth) and an update (from a presentation to the county director conference):
- Presentation Overview Northstar Care, November 2014 (PDF)
- Presentation of Northstar Care Update, October 2014 (PDF)
At-Risk Adoption Assistance Conversion Process and Post Permanency Reassessment Process
After finalization of an adoption or Transfer of Physical and Legal Permanent Custody (TPLPC), adoptive families and relative custodians may request a reassessment of their child’s needs and the parenting they provide. MN Statute 256N.24, subdivisions 10–12 outline the policy and procedures of the reassessment process.
Paths to Permanency
“Paths to Permanency” is an overview of legal issues and financial supports for foster children whose permanency plan includes adoption or a transfer of permanent legal and physical custody. The primary audience is relatives, foster families, and youth who are working with an agency social worker, but many others may find it helpful.
Northstar Care for Children Practice Guides, Checklists and Bulletins
The department has released practice guides and checklists for Northstar Care. The primary audience is staff at county and tribal agencies, but others may find it helpful.
- Northstar Care General Practice Guide DHS-7024 (PDF)
- MAPCY (Minnesota Assessment of Parenting for Children and Youth) Practice Guide DHS-7060 (PDF)
- Transfer of Permanent Legal and Physical Custody (TPLPC) Process Checklist for Children in County Foster Care DHS-6978 (PDF)
- Adoption Process Checklist for Children Under Guardianship of the Commissioner DHS-6542 (PDF)
The department has issued these related bulletins:
- Northstar Care for Children Uniform Assessment Tool (MAPCY) (17-68-11 dated May 10, 2017) (PDF)
- Pre-Northstar Foster Care Program Maintenance Rates (17-32-07 dated February 9, 2017) (PDF)
- Revised Northstar Care for Children Basic and Supplemental Payment Rates and Initial Clothing Allowance (17-32-14 dated May 16, 2017) (PDF)
The Permanency Support Unit issues Northstar Tips & Tricks to provide technical assistance and guidance on policy and practice issues related to adoption, transfer of permanent legal and physical custody, Northstar Adoption Assistance, and Northstar Kinship Assistance.
Minnesota Assessment of Parenting for Children and Youth (MAPCY)
The MAPCY (Minnesota Assessment of Parenting for Children and Youth) is the tool used to determine Northstar Care for Children benefits. Minnesota county and tribal social service agencies use the MAPCY when working with foster, kinship and adoptive families.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions and answers
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