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Safe Place for Newborns law keeps infants safe DHS-6504 (PDF)
Memo to County and Tribal Directors, regarding Housing Resources (PDF)
Minnesota Housing Resources (PDF)
Preparing foster care youth for adulthood: Resources for workers
Many youth leaving foster care approach adulthood with resources and expectations to be independent and successful, but some end up isolated, homeless, unemployed, and without hope for a bright and happy future. What determines their outcome? There is no simple answer to this question; often, the difference between success and failure is a fine line. Yet, common sense, empirical research and personal testimony from foster youth all underscore the importance of comprehensive preparation for independent living, opportunities for economic success and encouragement to aim high.
Resources for county and tribal agency case managers
Helping Youth Transition from Out-of-Home Care to Adulthood best practice guide.
The purpose of this best practice guide is to provide caseworkers with information and resources to work more effectively with adolescents. The content of this guide includes:
Requirements and Resources for Older Youth in Foster Care document provides county and tribal case managers information to ensure that comprehensive planning and preparation are provided to youth in foster care youth, ages 14-21. The document outlines required actions by age and includes statues, bulletins, website and other resources.
Successful Transition to Adulthood brochure provides description of programs and resources that youth may be eligible to apply for and receive funds and/or support.
Programs for Youth: Eligibility and Benefits document provides eligibility requirements and benefits for post-secondary education, extended foster care, credit reports, medical assistance for former foster care youth and Successful Transition for Adulthood for Youth (STAY).
Independent Living Plan Tutorial Guide General guidance and technical assistance to child welfare staff and caseworkers responsible for completing an Independent Living Plan (ILP) for youth 14 and older currently or formerly in foster care.
Children's Law Center of Minnesota This site has information on many resources for Minnesota youth, such as emergency shelters, housing, health care, employment and education. It also has a section on legal rights of foster youth.
Credit reports for foster care youth For some young people in foster care, stolen identities and bad credit pose yet another obstacle on the road to independence. For youth who have faced years of instability and uncertainty, bad credit stands in the way of some basic life activities, such as renting an apartment, buying a car, getting a job, having a bank account or securing student loans. The Minnesota Department of Human Services credit check program for youth in foster care helps young people leave care with clear credit histories.
FosterClub This is a non-profit national network of young people in foster care. Support for youth includes connections to resources in the youth's community, helping youth advocate for oneself, emotional support and inspiring stories of former foster youth now leading successful lives.
Medical Assistance benefits for former foster care youth The Affordable Care Act (Section 2004) extends Medical Assistance benefits to youth leaving foster care on or after their 18th birthday up to age 26. This became effective Jan. 1, 2014. Minnesota law also supports this Medical Assistance category.
TeensHealth This site is a safe, private place for teens who need honest, accurate information and advice about health, emotions and life. The doctor-approved information is meant to help teens make educated decisions - or help a friend who needs advice.
Youthhood This site offers tools to help young adults plan for life after high school. It was designed by staff at the National Center on Secondary Education and Transition at the University of Minnesota.
Minnesota Office of Higher Education This site offers information about financial aid programs and helps young Minnesotans gain access to post-secondary education. Topics of interest include preparing for college, choosing a college and paying for college.
Minnesota TRiO programs offer pre-college and post-secondary programs designed to help students with low incomes and first generation students enter and graduate from college.
Minnesota Youth in Transition Database gives youth an opportunity to make their voices heard, and to help other youth who are in foster care. This Minnesota Department of Human Services-sponsored survey, administered by counties and tribes at age 17 and The Improve Group at ages 19 and 21, asks simple questions like whether or not a youth is employed or going to school. Responses are important to determine future services for youth, and help secure funding for independent living skills services. Youth who are eligible to take the survey may receive gift cards; visit the Improve Group's Minnesota Youth in Transition Database website to determine eligibility
To learn more about the Education and Training Voucher program, and to get advice from program participants, view this department video titled "Fostering Success: An overview of Minnesota’s Education and Training Voucher. "
Foster youth and parents share their experiences in new videos
In April, the Minnesota Department of Human Services partnered with several organizations to host an early screening of the new documentary "Foster," which premiered on HBO in early May. During the event department staff sat down with some foster parents and former foster youth to discuss their experiences, and ways the foster care system could be improved. In this video, Leland talks about the importance of listening to foster youth, and how his foster parents created a safe space for him to come out as his true self. Leland is on the departments Youth Leadership Council.
