Effective immediately, the Training Academy has canceled all upcoming offerings of Orientation Enhancement. Recent policy changes regarding educational neglect need to be updated in the training. For the time being, new workers will not be required to take this course, and will only need to complete the following New Worker Training:

  • New Worker Orientation: Self-Paced Modules (CWTA X110)
  • ICWA/MIFPA Foundations (TTCP x101.C)
  • New Worker Foundations (CWTA X113)

The Academy’s curriculum team is working to update the course content, and will provide additional updates once more is known. If you have any questions, contact the Academy at info@mnchildwelfaretraining.com.

When will Orientation Enhancement be available again?
At this time, a relaunch date has not been set. The course will be reoffered once curriculum updates related to educational neglect policy changes are complete. Updates will be communicated as soon as more information is available.

Once Orientation Enhancement is relaunched, will workers be required to go back and take it?
No, it is the intention that unless something changes workers who complete the required New Worker Training sequence during the pause will not be expected to retroactively complete Orientation Enhancement.

Why is this update necessary?
Recent 2025 policy and statutory changes shift the response to educational neglect toward prevention and early intervention, recognizing that absenteeism is often related to poverty and structural barriers rather than maltreatment. Orientation Enhancement content must be updated to accurately reflect these changes and ensure consistent statewide practice.

Read the DCYF Bulletin: Screening and Responding to Reports of School Attendance Concerns that was sent to all county directors, social services supervisors and staff, and tribal agencies on October 8, 2025.

2025 Policy DCYF/MDE: “Allows counties and Tribes to provide a prevention response to educational neglect reports prior to a child protection response. The current statute requires a child protection response at seven unexcused absences. In many instances, unexcused absences relate to poverty, which is often confused with neglect. This would allow counties and Tribes to respond in a preventative, holistic way and provide resources and support without requiring a maltreatment response”. (Summary of 2025 Legislative Changes Affecting Children and Families- Minnesota Children's Cabinet)

If you have questions about this training or the policy change, contact us at info@mnchildwelfaretraining.com.