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The Office of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson handles complaints from anyone, prioritizing concerns from young people about their rights, care, safety, and placement in Minnesota foster care, including youth in Extended Foster Care and those who have recently aged out of care.
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OOFY brought forth two bills for passage in the 2026 Legislative Session: the Foster Youth Bill of Rights and OOFY’s Statutory Refinement Bill. Although neither bill passed this year, there are still some amazing wins and updates that deserve celebration.
OOFY’s Statutory Refinement Bill (HF3091/SF3881) was able to be heard in multiple committees! We will continue our efforts to address gaps in our existing enabling statute regarding our ability to meet privately with foster youth, clarify prohibitions on retaliation for those contacting our office, and making sure we have access to the records and information we need to do our work.
Regarding the Foster Youth Bill of Rights (FYBOR, HF3024/SF3154):
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The FYBOR was heard in the Children and Families Committee, twice! Both times, Fosters and supporters showed up and out. The bill ultimately passed through the committee to be included in consideration for their Omnibus. Thank you to Dez Newstrom and Vivian Dudley for sharing your stories relating the impact of this bill.
- A special thank you to Roblyn, Kaja, Nia, and Sage for sharing your testimonies last session and also being ready to testify! Also a special thank you to Osahon Akpata-Tanious, Executive Director of Foster Advocates, for testifying in support of the FYBOR.
- There were over 175 sign-ons in support of this bill, including dozens of organizations. Thank you to everyone who signed on!
- We got the word out about this important issue! From small conversations in hallways to testimony in committee, legislators now are aware of the issue and know that this needs to get done.
OOFY wants to thank YOU. If you showed up in person for support, signed the letter of support, had conversations in your communities, took part in the initial development stages/focus groups, or simply read our updates, your engagement matters. We hope you continue to stay engaged on this issue. Fosters still deserve comprehensive, accessible rights in our state.
Although these initiatives did not pass this session, we feel excited about continued opportunities for partnerships, collaborations, and ways we can continue to support Minnesota Fosters to ensure they are receiving the justice and care they deserve.
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Investigative Reports
OOFY recently published two Findings and Recommendations reports to our website.
Investigative Reports identify areas of improvement regarding policies, procedures, and practices in Minnesota’s foster care system. In line with our legislative mandate, the purpose of these reports is to, “promote the highest attainable standards of competence, efficiency, and justice for youth who are in the care of the state.”
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The first report centered several issues related to a licensed foster home, including the lack of reporting, cross reporting, communication, assessment, and investigation of possible child maltreatment, the absence of an initial foster care call/"comfort call" between the biological parents and foster parents, and the lack of appropriate planning or completion of Reunification Structured Decision Making Assessments prior to the Trial Home Visit.
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The second report highlighted delays in providing a young person adequate medical care, their lack of access to basic needs in a hotel crisis respite setting, the facility’s insufficient documentation, and the agency’s failure to implement and support the Sibling Bill of Rights.
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Advisory Board Appointments
This month, the Governor’s Office appointed four board members to the Advisory Board of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson:
Nonprofit Professionals Who Work at Nonprofits Serving Foster Youth:
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Elena Leomi (reappointment)
Youth Who are Currently in the Foster Care System or Who Were Recently in the Foster Care System:
Guardian ad Litem Who is Currently Appointed to Protect the Interests of Minors in Cases in the Juvenile Court System:
We are looking forward to welcoming these new members and growing the OOFY community. For more information on OOFY board meetings, visit our website using the button below:
For more information about applying to the OOFY board, you can visit the MN Secretary of State’s Boards and Commissions page using the button below. Applications for the next round of appointments will open in the fall of 2026.
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The Department of Human Services is seeking feedback from 5 youth and advocates on the clarity, relevance, and usability of Medical Assistance guides designed for youth who have experienced foster care.
Time commitment and compensation: You will have time to review the guides prior to the 1 hour virtual feedback session. Afterwards, you will receive a $25 Walmart gift card as compensation for your time and expertise.
How do I sign up? To participate please fill out the form linked below. Please sign up by Friday, July 3rd.
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The next meeting of the OOFY Advisory Board will be held Tuesday, July 7th, from 3:30-5 pm. A reminder and link to the virtual meeting will be sent out a week beforehand. To see upcoming meeting dates and to view meeting minutes, visit our website using the link below.
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These values guide our work, in line with our agency purpose to promote the highest attainable standards of competence, efficiency, and justice for youth who are in the care of the state.
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