|
Welcome to the MN Office of Ombudsperson for Families January Newsletter |
|
Happy New Year!
 Statement on the Killing of Renee Nicole Good
The Office of Ombudsperson for Families joins Minnesotans in mourning the murder of Renee Nicole Good on January 7, 2026. This tragedy is the result of governance designed to generate fear, headlines, and conflict — not public safety. Right now, the top priority for state and local leaders is keeping residents safe. If you plan to protest, please exercise your First Amendment rights safely and peacefully.
OBFF asked Minnesotans to join Governor Walz in a Day of Unity on January 9. Read Governor Walz's full Day of Unity Proclamation.
Know Your Rights
Remember your due process rights so you can protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community (from Ayada Leads):
- You have the right to remain silent.
- You do not have to open the door unless ICE presents a warrant signed by a judge.
- You have the right to speak with an attorney before signing anything.
- If you are stopped, you can ask: “Am I free to go?”
The OBFF website has a full list of resources for immigrants and refugees.
African Heritage Day on the Hill 2026
Join the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage (CMAH) for African Heritage Day on the Hill! This event will include a session for youth and will conclude with a reception.
For more information, contact Outreach.CMAH@state.mn.us or call 651-757-1752.
Event Details:
-
Date and Time: Thursday, February 12
- 10:00am: Youth Session at the Minnesota Revenue Building
- 1:30pm: Day on the Hill Program at the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda
-
Location: Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda, 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, St Paul, MN 55155
- Reception to follow.
|
|
OBFF Holiday Closure
The Office of Ombudsperson for Families will be closed on Monday, January 19, for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
|
|
|
Affirming a Youth's Whole Identity Training
Join Ampersand Families for a workshop on how to support and affirm a youth who identities as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, or another identity in the LGBTQ+ community in an adoptive, pre-adoptive, or relative/kinship home. This training will also cover strategies to make the home a welcoming and inclusive space, regardless of the youth's sexuality.
This training will count for Agency Specific Training in both the home study licensing process and for training hours to renew a foster care license.
Event Details:
36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast
Join the 36th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Monday, January 19! Breakfast will be served at 7:30am, with programming starting at 8:00am. This year's event features speakers Soledad O'Brien and Freeman A. Hrabowski, III.
Event Details:
-
Date and Time: Monday, January 19, doors open at 6:45am
-
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center, Main Floor Ballroom, 1301 2nd Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55403
-
Registration: Purchase tickets online.
|
Warming Spaces
Now that it is winter, if you are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity and need a safe space during the cold nights, please use the resources below:
Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule is also in effect from October 1 - April 30.
January 2026 Foster Care Community of Practice Meetings
Join the Department of Children, Youth, and Families for the Foster Care Community of Practice! The January 2026 Foster Care Community of Practice meetings will focus on Tools for Reunification.
Participants will only need to register for one meeting, as the content is the same in both sessions.
January Foster Care Community of Practice Meeting Session 1:
January Foster Care Community of Practice Meeting Session 2:
|
|
|
|
|
