A special report from the Star Tribune investigates Minnesota’s child protection system; the investigation followed the 2022 death of Eli Hart, killed by his mother after being put back in her care. According to the report, Minnesota counties administer child protection services. The Department of Human Services (DHS) provides oversight. “Since 2018, public records obtained by the Star Tribune show 36 counties failed to meet the federal limit on repeat abuse, most more than once,” reports the Star Tribune.
Caseworkers at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services joined picket lines to protest issues related to staffing shortages and case backlogs. “This department is in crisis and our caseworkers, the UAW 6000 members who are child protective service workers, foster care workers…they are overwhelmed,” said Ray Holman, UAW 6000 reporting secretary. The MDHHS released a statement saying the department hired additional staff recently, “which will help ease workload and ensure caseworkers can give their undivided attention to Michiganders who need help,” according to WoodTV on November 1.
The 2023 State Occupational Licensing Index ranks states by the number of licensed occupations. The SOLI database focuses on 331 occupations. In the 2023 SOLI, New Hampshire ranks 23rd nationally—with 1st the most burdensome. New Hampshire makes it illegal to work in 184 of the 331 occupations. Among the 184 occupations that New Hampshire maintains minimum entry requirements, 16 occupations require licensure in 20 states or fewer nationally. New Hampshire remains one of only five states to license mold inspectors.
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