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Spring 2026
From Nichole:
Hello everyone,
I’m excited to introduce myself as the new ETV Coordinator for DCYF and to join the Child Safety and Permanency Team. I bring more than 10 years of experience in social services, with a strong passion for supporting children and youth, especially those navigating the transition into young adulthood. I look forward to building connections, supporting students in reaching their educational goals and contributing to the important work this team does every day.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, hiking and spending time with my daughter and our two dogs. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this team and look forward to working with all of you.
The seventh Foster Child and Youth Day on the Hill was held on March 2, 2026. This is a “for youth, by youth” event. The Minnesota Youth Leadership Council provided a morning summit on two priority issues facing youth in foster care: extending extended foster care and increasing support and funding for Independent Living Skills programming. In the afternoon, participants marched to the Capitol, attended a rally in the Capitol Building Rotunda and met with state legislators.
The annual Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT) Youth Leadership Conference will be held July 22 – 24, 2026, in Duluth. TLT is a fun and energetic experience for current and former foster youth ages 16 – 20, featuring art, music, spoken word, dance, dynamic presenters and a cruise on Lake Superior. It shows youth their potential as leaders, helps them understand what a leader is, teaches leadership skills and identifies ways to get involved in their community. It allows youth to see how they can use their talents to make a difference as advocates and leaders. Built on a foundation of positive youth development, the conference is also intended to inspire and energize professionals who work with youth. Youth workers are encouraged to recognize each youth’s talents, abilities and knowledge, and return home committed to positively involving youth in their community.
- Only send youth who genuinely desire to attend. Requiring youth to attend contradicts the goal of fostering youths' capacity to impact change and self-determination. Voluntary participation helps lay the foundation for a positive, enriching experience for all attendees.
- Similarly, choose adult chaperones who are committed to supporting youth in their efforts to become leaders in their communities, agencies or programs. The aim of attending this conference is to help develop youth-adult partnerships in programs throughout the state. Chaperones should also be active participants in the conference.
Chaperones are required for youth attendance. All participants are required to remain on campus for the entire event. Registration is open at the Tomorrow's Leaders Today website. Contact Kim Lemcke at kim.lemcke@state.mn.us for more information.
Each May, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families recognizes National Foster Care Month.
When children cannot safely stay at home, foster care provides a temporary home until children can be safely reunified with their families.
Across the U.S., more than 500,000 children and youth are currently navigating foster care or have recently transitioned out, often facing challenges like disrupted education, limited job opportunities and a lack of stable, supportive connections.
Last year, the average number of children in foster care in Minnesota on any given day was 5,564. This represents a 34% decrease since 2020. Approximately 68% of children in family foster care in 2025 were placed with relatives, helping preserve connections, culture and a sense of belonging during times of change.
This month, we honor the children and families we serve across the state and thank our partners for their collaboration.
To show support and view the toolkit, go to FosterClub.
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