 More than 600 Minnesota foster children who cannot be reunified with their families are waiting to go home to another permanent family. Most needed are families for adolescents and sibling groups.
A week of virtual events starting Monday, Nov. 1, will focus on the children who need permanent families, as well as the 965 children adopted from state guardianship last year. Minnesota’s 24th annual “Celebrate Adoption: Circus of the Heart” event honors families who adopted foster children in the past year and provides information about adoption.
“Every child needs a safe, nurturing, permanent family,” said Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “Last year’s virtual Circus of the Heart reached more people than ever, and we are hoping to exceed that this year. We always need more families to welcome children into their families forever.”
The virtual activities from Nov. 1 to 7 will include a family dance party, art contest, scavenger hunt, cooking challenge, performing arts presentation, prizes, trivia game, award presentations, and videos from experts and an adoptive family.
Adoptive families and those interested in learning more about adopting children from the foster care system are encouraged to participate by following MN Adopt's Facebook page.
More information is in the department's news release.
Commissioner Jodi Harpstead joined Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan recently to highlight 2021 legislative wins for children and families, including increased funding for child care providers and participants in the Minnesota Family Investment Program.
Personal care assistant (PCA) workers in Minnesota will see higher wages and other new benefits this month. The statewide minimum wage for PCAs rises from $13.25 to $14.40 per hour effective Oct. 1, then increases again to $15.25 on July 1, 2022.
“The more than 40,000 PCAs working in our state are a lifeline for people with disabilities and essential for them to live active lives in their communities,” said Assistant Commissioner Gertrude Matemba-Mutasa. “We hope improved pay and benefits can help draw more talented people into this critical profession.”
PCAs perform essential work, helping people with disabilities with daily activities such as eating, bathing, dressing, grooming, going to the restroom, and getting around. In some cases, they prepare meals, do light housekeeping, administer medications, help people find jobs, manage challenging behaviors, and provide support with assistive technology.
More details are in the Governor's Office news release.
Posted Oct. 16 on the DHS Facebook page: Congratulations to Medicaid Medical Director Dr. Nathan Chomilo, who was recently honored for his work to improve health outcomes and health equity for Minnesotans. He received the President’s Award from the Minnesota Medical Association at their 2021 annual meeting, which was held virtually. The award is designated for individuals who have made outstanding contributions toward making Minnesotans the healthiest in the nations and making Minnesota the best place to practice. The award presentation and Dr. Chomilo’s acceptance speech are available online.
To see more posts like this and for timely updates on DHS news and events, follow DHS on Twitter and Facebook.
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