Minnesota celebrates, needs foster families

Currently, in Minnesota, 14,700 children are in out-of-home care — almost 12,200 of them in foster homes. More foster families are needed. Foster parents provide critical temporary care and nurturing to children in crisis. They are as diverse as the children they care for. A foster parent may be single or married, have children or not have children, rent or own their home. What they share is a concern for children and a commitment to help them through tough times. More information is in a news release about Foster Care Month.

May is National Mental Health Month

“Life With a Mental Illness” is the theme of this year’s Mental Health Month, highlighting the importance of speaking up, sharing stories, and decreasing the stigma of mental illness. Mental Health Month first began 67 years ago to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of good mental health for everyone. This year’s theme is a call to action to share what life with a mental illness feels like to someone going through it. More information is in a news release about Mental Health Month.

Drug overdose deaths continued to rise in 2015

New data from the Minnesota Department of Health show drug overdose deaths, including those involving unintentional deaths and suicides, jumped 11 percent between 2014 and 2015. This increase from 516 deaths in 2014 to 572 deaths in 2015 follows a long-term trend of rising deaths due to drug overdoses in Minnesota. More information is in a news story about the drug overdose deaths.

Farago named to state leadership post serving children and families

The Minnesota Department of Human Services recently named Nikki Farago as the deputy assistant commissioner of Children and Family Services. An attorney with a background in tribal law and child welfare issues, Farago will provide strategic direction and oversight to a range of efforts that help families succeed. Children and Family Services is responsible for adoption, foster care, child care, child support, adolescent services, public assistance, child protection, refugee resettlement, economic opportunities and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. More information is in a news release about Farago’s appointment. 

Minnesota part of new savings account group for people with disabilities, families

Minnesotans with disabilities and their families will benefit from the investment power of an eight-state consortium in saving for disability-related expenses. Minnesota is among 40 states whose lawmakers approved tax-free savings accounts under the federal Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014. The legislation promotes employment and quality of life for people with disabilities by ensuring that earnings and other funds saved in ABLE accounts don’t count against eligibility for public programs, including Medical Assistance and Social Security Supplemental Income. More information is in a news release about the ABLE accounts.

Fact sheets updated during May

Fact sheets about DHS programs were updated during May:

• Family Support Grant Program (PDF) (May 2016)
• Foster care: Temporary out-of-home care for children (PDF) (May 2016)
• Nursing home facts and figures (PDF) (May 2016)

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