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Welcome to the MN Office of Ombudsperson for Families December Newsletter |
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Happy Holidays and Winter Season from OBFF!
 CECLC Vacancy
The Cultural and Ethnic Communities Leadership Council (CECLC) has an open seat: Human Services Program Participant Representing Communities of Color.
The CECLC wants to fill this seat with a member of a community disproportionately impacted by health and human services inequities, as well as a Department of Human Services program participant. This is a great opportunity to make your voice heard in the State of Minnesota!
Interested participants should apply by completing an online questionnaire through the Minnesota Secretary of State's Boards and Commissions website. For questions, please contact ceclc.information.dhs@state.mn.us.
Loss of Temporary Protected Status for Karen and Somali Minnesotans
The federal government recently ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for refugees from Myanmar, which will directly affect Minnesota's Karen community by risking their deportation back to Myanmar. Alicia Buckner, the executive director of the Karen Organization of Minnesota, told the Minnesota Star Tribune about her concerns regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced its intention to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali Minnesotans before the current expiration date of March 2026. Minnesota is home to the largest Somali population in the United States, with the majority being U.S. citizens or legal residents. Currently, just over 400 Somalis in Minnesota hold TPS, which is a protection offered to foreign-born individuals who cannot return to their home country safely. This status provides various benefits for a limited time, including the ability to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), travel authorization, and protection from detention by DHS based solely on their immigration status in the United States.
These decisions will significantly affect families and the community. If you have questions about your rights or need to know what to do in case of an immigration encounter, there are resources to help you:
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Free Legal Clinics: Immigration attorneys are available through Community Clinics, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, and Volunteer Lawyers Network.
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Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs: Drop-in hours are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 2:00 - 4:00pm at 777 E Lake St., Minneapolis, MN
Mandated Reporter Survey
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) and Management Analysis and Development (MAD) are seeking input on how they can better support families through the mandated reporting process.
A mandated reporter is someone who has the legal responsibility to report child maltreatment that they either suspect or are aware of, according to Minnesota law. All information shared in this survey will be kept private and confidential.
Complete the survey by December 8, 2025.
Resources for Food
Please use the following resources if you are in need of food assistance this holiday season:
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OBFF Winter Holiday Hours
The Office of Ombudsperson for Families will be closed on the following days:
- Thursday, December 25: Christmas Day
- Thursday, January 1, 2026: New Year's Day
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New CASCW Online Module
The Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW) has a new online course titled Enhancing the Alliance: Skills that Build a Stage-matched and Culturally Responsive Relationship.
This course is free and provides 5.5 CEUs. Child welfare professionals can hone the skills needed to provide strong, trusting relationships with the families they serve.
See the full list of CASCW's online modules to learn more.
Title IV-E Mentorship Opportunity
The Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW) is seeking mentors for the third cohort of the Title IV-E Mentorship Program. The program matches child welfare professionals with Title IV-E fellows who are working on completing the last semester of their Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.
To be eligible to apply to be a mentor, you must meet the following criteria:
- Earned a MSW degree.
- Have at least two years of post-MSW practice experience.
- Currently work in public, Tribal, or non-profit child welfare.
Apply online by December 21! For questions, contact Claire Wever, Title IV-E Program Coordinator, at wever008@umn.edu.
American Red Cross Babysitter Training
The American Red Cross is offering training in Minneapolis for students ages 11-14 who want to learn skills that are necessary to become an effective babysitter! The American Red Cross Babysitter Training is a blended learning course preparing youth to safely and confidently care for children and infants.
Students will learn basic child care, effective leadership for working with children, lifesaving skills like first aid and CPR, and more. The cost is $95 for residents and $143 for non-residents.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025, 9:00 am - 4:30pm
- Northeast Athletic Field Park, 1530 Johnson St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
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Registration: Register online or call 612-370-4920
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An Evening of Culture, Connection, and Style
Join African Global Roots for a night of networking, food, and cultural engagement! This annual event celebrates pan-African culture and community, including a cultural fashion show, poetry, and Afrocontigbo dance.
Event Details:
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Date and Time: Saturday, December 6, 7:00 - 11:00pm
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Location: B.B.'s Live Fire Grill, 2590 Freeway Blvd, Suite #1, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
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Tickets: $50, including entertainment, food, and drinks
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Registration: RSVP in advance online. There will be limited to no tickets available at the door.
Parent Support Outreach Program Upcoming Communities of Practice
Join an upcoming Parent Support Outreach Program (PSOP) Community of Practice (CoP) on Reimagining Mandated Reporting. The agenda will include "Reimagining Mandated Reporting": Supporting Families, Ensuring Safety, and a panel discussion related to addressing food insecurities. Register for one of two session options:
PSOP Communities of Practice Day 1
PSOP Communities of Practice Day 2
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