The information in this program outline is provided by the program representative and edited by the CEBC staff. Minnesota Permanency Demonstration (MnPD) has been reviewed by the CEBC in the area of: Post-Permanency Services, but lacks the necessary research evidence to be given a Scientific Rating.

MnPD, the Minnesota Title IV-E welfare waiver project, is a single-benefit, assisted-guardianship program. A single-benefit (or continuous- benefit), assisted-guardianship program does not decrease financial support for foster caregivers who adopt or assume permanent legal and physical custody of the foster children in their care. MnPD’s purpose is to determine whether a single-benefit program increases permanency rates and shortens foster care stays among children in long-term foster care. Any child who meets the following requirements is eligible for the MnPD project:

• Title IV-E eligible
• Reunification has been ruled out
• Living in a safe and stable foster home at least six months.

Certain children who have historically been more difficult to move into permanent living situations are targeted by the project:

• Children with special needs who have serious psychological, physical, and behavioral problems
• Older children
  
• Children with siblings in foster care
• Children who are American Indian and African American.

The MnPD project began on November 17, 2005, and was authorized for five years. A final report was completed in 2011 and can be found at https://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Public/DHS-4630A-ENG.

Target Population: Children in long-term foster care. Special emphasis is being given to American Indian children, African American children, and children with special needs.