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Welcome to the MN Office of Ombudsperson for Families November Newsletter |
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National Adoption Month in Minnesota and Holiday Hours
 November is National Adoption Month
November is National Adoption Month. In Minnesota, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) coordinates adoption with private agencies. According to the most recent numbers from DCYF, there are about 490 children who need adoptive homes in Minnesota. For National Adoption Day on November 21, courts will finalize and celebrate adoption of children from foster care.
Learn more about adoption in Minnesota.
OBFF November Holiday Hours
The Office of Ombudsperson for Families will be closed for the following holidays in November:
- Wednesday, November 11: Veterans' Day
- Thursday, November 26 - Friday, November 27: Thanksgiving
Minnesota Cold Weather Rule
Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule is in effect now through April 30, 2027. The Cold Weather Rule (CWR) means that residential utility customers are protected from having their electric or natural gas service shut off during the cold season in Minnesota.
The CWR allows you to set up a payment plan with the utility company that will fit with your financial situation. Renters are also eligible for CWR protection as long as the electric or gas service is in the renter's name.
Learn more about the CWR and utility protections in Minnesota from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.
CAPM Policy Advocacy Workshops
Join the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans (CAPM) for a series of Policy Advocacy Workshops leading up to the 2027 legislative session.
These workshops will help prepare members of the community for changes in state government ahead of the 2027 session by creating a better understanding of what sort of policy environment currently faces the Council and state government. Registration is free but limited to 30 attendees each.
Event Details:
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Dates and Times:
- Friday, November 13, 12:00 - 1:00pm - Political Lay of the Land
- Friday, December 11, 12:00 - 1:00pm - How a Bill Becomes Law
- Friday, January 8, 2027, 12:00 - 1:00pm - Navigating the Session
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Location: Virtual, via Microsoft Teams
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Registration: Register online
For questions, contact Andrew Morris at andrew.morris@state.mn.us.
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Free Psychological First Aid Training
The Minnesota Department of Health and the Center for Victims of Torture are putting on a free psychological first aid training on Tuesday, November 10.
Psychological first aid helps people who are in crisis or who have faced traumatic events. This training will help you learn how to stabilize people in need and refer them to services.
Event Details:
For questions, contact refugeehealth@state.mn.us.
Esther Wattenberg Policy Forum & Breakfast
The Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW) and Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) invite you to the 2026 Esther Wattenberg Policy Forum and Breakfast. This event is held in honor of the late Esther Wattenberg and will include breakfast and a short program.
Event Details:
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Date and Time: Wednesday, December 16, 8:30 - 10:00am
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Location: Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs, 301 19th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Learn more on the CASCW website.
Ramsey County Holiday Sponsorship 2026
Ramsey County Social Services is matching families in Social Services with sponsors for the holiday season through the Holiday Sponsorship Program. Sponsor a family in need!
Ramsey County's Holiday Sponsorship Program helps individuals and families who are identified by social workers as needing extra help for holiday food and gifts. This program supports families of all backgrounds, ages, and family structures.
Learn more about this program from Ramsey County.
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Black American Digital Literacy Class
Saint Paul Public Libraries is offering courses in November for individuals who identify as Black American to improve their digital literacy skills.
These courses will teach basic computer skills, email navigation, internet essentials, and more. Participants will receive a certificate of completion after each learning module.
Event Details:
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Date and Time: Fridays, November 6, 13, and 20, from 3:30-5:00pm
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Location: Martin Luther King Recreation Center, 271 North Mackubin Street, St. Paul, MN 55102
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Registration: Learn more online. To register, contact jenaya.myvett@ci.stpaul.mn.us or call 651-266-7024.
Virtual Public Charge Rule Legal Help Sessions
The Minnesota Immigration Legal Collaborative Hub is providing free virtual legal assistance for Ramsey County residents regarding recent changes to the Public Charge Rule.
Event Details:
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Upcoming Dates and Times:
- Wednesday, November 11, 1:30 - 5:00pm
- Wednesday, November 25, 1:30 - 5:00pm
- Wednesday, December 9, 1:30 - 5:00pm
- Wednesday, December 23, 1:30 - 5:00pm
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Location: Virtual, via Zoom
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Registration: Learn more and register online
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