Otter Tail County approves four new social worker positions for child and family services ahead of 2027 law changes

Otter Tail County commissioners approved adding four social worker positions to the Child & Family Services team to prepare for the Minnesota African‑American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act, which has implementation elements scheduled for 2027.

County staff said the statute contains an "active efforts" requirement and other changes that will increase county workload; the board had budgeted for the four positions in the 2026 budget but agreed to stagger hiring so two positions will be filled immediately and the other two later this year. Staff said the county had planned for the new positions during prior committee discussions and that training resources from the state are being developed and should be available by the fall.

During discussion, commissioners asked whether recent legislative changes altered the county's obligations. Staff reported that while some bills sought to narrow the scope of case reviews, the final legislation preserved county responsibility for case reviews and moved the effective date for that component to July 1, 2027. The county also noted a one‑time state appropriation for implementation funding and that minimum grant amounts were adjusted during the legislative process.

The motion to add the positions passed without recorded dissent. Staff said they will return with updates to the board at the committee level as hires proceed and training availability is clarified.