Mission Statement: To ensure that children who have experienced abuse and neglect attain safe, stable, permanent homes and improved well-being.
The Children's Justice Initiative (CJI) is a collaboration between the Minnesota Judicial Branch and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. These two state entities work closely with the local juvenile courts, court administrators, social services agencies, county attorneys, guardians ad litem, attorneys for parents and children, tribes, and other key stakeholders in each of Minnesota's 87 counties. The overall objectives are to improve child well-being and timely find safe, stable, permanent homes for children who experience abuse and neglect, first through reunification with the child's parents if that is safe or, if not, through another permanent placement option. When identifying and implementing improvements, the goal is for all stakeholders to operate "through the eyes of the child" so as to achieve child safety, permanency, and well-being.
Implementation of the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA)
To learn more about the FFPSA and how the Minnesota Judicial Branch is implementing its court review requirements, visit the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) Help Topic.
Response to COVID-19
Minnesota's court and child protection systems are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in a way that balances public health and safety with access to courts in order to continue monitoring child protection cases to ensure the safety, well-being, and best interests of each child. Following are links to state, federal, and national resources and tools that are available to support this work in consideration of COVID-19 guidance.
Visit the
COVID-19 page for more information and links to additional resources. In particular, see the COVID-19 Resources from other organizations link at the bottom of the page.