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Welcome to the MN Office of Ombudsperson for Families March Newsletter |
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Honoring Women's History Month, Board Openings, Opportunities with the Councils, and More
 Happy Women's History Month!
The Office of Ombudsperson for Families recognizes and honors women of Minnesota, past and present, who have courageous women from Minnesota who have dedicated their time, talent, and at times, unfortunately, even their lives in the pursuit of justice. This Women's History Month, OBFF would especially like to remember and honor:
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Representative Melissa Hortman: Speaker Emerita of the House of Representatives
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Renee Good: killed by ICE
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Nekima Levy Armstrong: Civil Rights Attorney
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Mayor Kaohly Her: Mayor of Saint Paul
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Rosa Tock: Former Executive Director of the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs
OBFF Asian Pacific Families Board Openings
Ombudsperson Board For Asian-Pacific Families is looking for interested candidates to fill open board member seats.
This is an advisory board that meets on a regular basis to advise and provide support to the Ombudsperson for Asian-Pacific Families on matters that are important and related to their duties and activities, and to help advocate for better outcomes for Minnesotan Asian-Pacific families and children in the child welfare system mostly due to poverty, cultural and background differences, linguistic barriers, lack of culturally responsive and appropriate services to meet their needs, lack of understanding the child protection laws; just to name a few. Learn more on OBFF's website.
To apply, email Board Chair Thanh Glasco at Thanh.L.Glasco@state.mn.us, or you may also apply directly through the Office of the Secretary of State website.
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Federal Action Resource
The Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans (CAPM) has launched an online resource for the community related to federal actions in Minnesota.
This landing page includes any resources, news, and helpful information for those in the Asian Pacific Islander community who may be affected by current federal actions in the state. Concerned community members can visit the CAPM website for more information.
Latino Youth Day at the Capitol
Join the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs (MCLA) for Latino Youth Day at the Capitol on Monday, March 30! Youth can learn about the Capitol and legislative process, practice skills in organizing, advocacy, and making systems change, and more, all en comunidad.
Learn more and register online!
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Reimagining Care That's Centered on the Community: Focus on Midwifery
The Intersection will present a webinar on midwifery and birthing centers, their impact on the community, and how community care can be applied to other types of health care.
This webinar conversation will explore lessons from maternal health on disrupting the status quo, focusing on one's autonomy, dignity, and lived experience to improve health outcomes, addressing barriers to equitable access to health care, and ways to encourage health system to offer more choices for individual needs and preferences.
Event Details:
Minnesota State Suicide Prevention Plan Focus Groups
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Unit is collaborating with the Minnesota Suicide Prevention Taskforce to facilitate focus groups to help shape the next Minnesota State Suicide Prevention Plan.
You can see information for a few of the focus groups below. To see the full list of focus groups and registration information, read the bulletin from MDH.
Supporting Men's Mental Health Focus Groups
Individuals with Lived Experience of Mental Health Struggles and Suicidal Experiences Focus Group
Black Minnesotans Focus Groups
American Indian and Tribal Communities Focus Group
Minnesota Human Rights Act Protections
The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) has created a resource page for what is and is not covered under the Minnesota Human Rights Act regarding discrimination against immigrants.
While the Minnesota Human Rights Act does not explicitly cover discrimination based on immigration or citizenship status, it does cover discrimination against people based on if they were born outside of the United States, if they speak a different language, if they appear to be immigrants, or if they are assumed to be undocumented. These are covered by the Minnesota Human Rights Act's national-origin and race protections.
Anyone who believes they have been the target of discrimination based on the factors listed above should complete MDHR's online form.
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African American Child and Family Well-Being Advisory Council Openings
Join the African American Child and Family Well-Being Advisory Council and help create meaningful change in the child welfare system!
The African American Child and Family Well-Being Advisory Council advises the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) on decisions that affect children of African heritage in the child welfare system. The Council has openings for people who fit the following criteria:
- Fathers with lived experience in the child welfare system
- Kinship caregivers or relatives
- Legal professionals
- Faith-based organization leaders
To learn more and apply, visit the Office of the Secretary of State website.
Upcoming Regional Permanency Training
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) and Foster Adopt Minnesota (FAM) are holding regional permanency trainings for professionals working in child welfare, or permanency support roles. The March training is for Goodhue County.
Goodhue County Regional Permanency Training
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Date and Time: Thursday, March 19, 9:00am - 4:00pm
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Location: Goodhue County Government Center, 509 W 5th Street Red Wing, MN 55066
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Registration: Register for the March 19 training
Share Federal Impact Stories
The Governor’s Office is inviting individuals and organizations across Minnesota to share stories about how the Federal Metro Surge has affected their communities. This information will help the Governor have a full understanding of the impacts of federal actions across the state.
Individuals, communities, and partners can submit their information through the Governor's Office contact form.
Foster Adopt Minnesota Know Your Rights Training
Foster Adopt Minnesota is hosting a webinar presenting information and resources for non-citizen youth in 2026. This webinar will include rights of youth, safety planning essentials, and changes to be aware of in the current climate.
Learn from immigration and state law professionals who work in child protection, including Alison Griffith (Mid Minnesota Legal Aid), Pheng Thao (Mid Minnesota Legal Aid), and Misty Coonce (Ombudsperson for Foster Youth). This webinar is aimed towards caregivers and professionals in child protection.
Event Details:
For questions, contact Foster Adopt Minnesota at info@fosteradoptmn.org.
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