Minnesota Statutes Public Welfare and Related Activities (Ch. 245-267) § 257D.01. Definitions

Subdivision 1. Scope. For the purposes of this chapter, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given.

Subd. 2. Abandonment. “Abandonment” means the parent's failure to maintain contact with an at-risk juvenile on a regular basis or to demonstrate consistent interest in an at-risk juvenile's well-being beginning at least six months prior to the at-risk juvenile reaching the age of 18, or the death of an at-risk juvenile's parent.

Subd. 3. Abuse. “Abuse” means, at any time in an at-risk juvenile's life, the infliction or threat of:

Subd. 4. At-risk juvenile. “At-risk juvenile” means an unmarried person who is between the ages of 18 and 21 and is potentially eligible for classification under United States Code, title 8, section 1101(a)(27)(J), as amended through December 31, 2021.

Subd. 5. Best interests. “Best interests” has the meaning given in section 260C.511, paragraph (a).

Subd. 6. Guardian. “Guardian” means an adult who has been appointed by the court as the guardian of an at-risk juvenile under this chapter. A guardian includes but is not limited to a parent.

Subd. 7. Mental injury. “Mental injury” has the meaning given in section 260E.03, subdivision 13.

Subd. 8. Neglect. “Neglect” means, at any time prior to an at-risk juvenile reaching the age of 18, the failure to give an at-risk juvenile proper care that causes the juvenile's health or welfare to be harmed or placed at substantial risk of harm or causes mental injury or a substantial risk of mental injury.

Subd. 9. Petitioner. “Petitioner” means the at-risk juvenile who is the subject of the petition.