Sarah Kniskern Aughenbaugh

The council meeting focused on reviewing its purpose, goals, and responsibilities to ensure co-design, implementation, and monitoring as per legislation. Key activities included building member relationships and reflecting on learnings from relationship-based services. A significant portion of the meeting involved a Grantee Spotlight on Nexus Kindred Family Healing, detailing their mission, vision, service models (including resource locator tools and emotional support groups), and material supports provided to families. Discussions centered on case studies related to governance tasks, specifically identifying systemic barriers across sectors like education, health, and housing. A specific case study highlighted families being denied childcare subsidy benefits due to inconsistent local requirements for in-person verification, raising discussions about policy clarification, creating feedback loops for family voice, and compensation for partners providing input. Lessons learned included a significant drop in denied benefits after addressing the verification issue and the state recognizing the need for ongoing Policy Implementation Alignment Review.

The meeting objectives included reviewing the council's purpose, goals, and responsibilities, and building relationships among members. Key discussions involved a Grantee Spotlight from Clay County Family Resource Center, detailing their established Family Advisory Board and core team structure, along with challenges and successes, such as hosting a Family Strengthening Quality Standards Certificate training. The council reviewed and revised the definition of governance, with the new definition emphasizing an open, fair structure that upholds state/local priorities while enabling site-level innovation. A Governance Case Study prompted discussion on decision-making authority for capacity building and technical assistance, with input suggesting CRCs and non-governmental entities should lead. The session concluded with a discussion on forming a Sustainability Workgroup and confirming interest in an in-person meeting for November.

This Child and Family Services Plan for 2025-2029 outlines the strategic direction for improving equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families in Minnesota. Key pillars include preventing entry into the child welfare system and preserving families through enhanced community resources and support for kinship caregivers, investing in workforce performance and satisfaction through improved training, technology, and collaboration, and expanding equitable access to quality, individualized services statewide via community-based partnerships. The plan also focuses on supporting foster youth's successful transition to adulthood, all while prioritizing equity, collaboration, and community engagement.

This Annual Progress and Services Report for the State of Minnesota Department of Human Services provides an update on the 2020-2024 Child and Family Services Plan (CFSP). It details progress towards goals and objectives, focusing on improving safety, permanency, and well-being outcomes for children, youth, and families. Key areas include enhancing engagement and collaboration, reducing disparities for American Indian children, and optimizing child welfare services through various strategies and interventions.

This final report details the progress and services of the 2020-2024 Child and Family Services Plan for the State of Minnesota Department of Human Services. The plan's strategic direction focuses on improving engagement and collaboration with children, parents, relatives, and resource families, reducing disparities for American Indian and African American children in the child welfare system, improving access to and utilization of services, and enhancing child safety, permanency, and well-being outcomes through continuous quality improvement.