Foster Advocates

This year we led passage of an appropriation to expand our Fostering Success work across the state (funding to start 2024 calendar year) and continued our advocacy on Survivors Benefits for Fosters resulting in a legislatively mandated study. We supported implementation of the Office of the Ombudsperson for Foster Youth through the fall appointment of the Ombuds and the Advisory Board, and continued ongoing implementation support of the Fostering Independence Grants. Our LGBTQ2S+ Leaders presented their recommendations to DHS leadership, resulting in a new workgroup focused on supporting Fosters with diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. Our Community Board finished its second year and we completed our third Fellowship cohort. Our MN Promise campaign continued, with 6 additional listening sessions in greater Minnesota, as we build a comprehensive vision for systems-change led by and for Fosters. Foster Advocates turned five in June 2023, and we were able to present awards to some of our advocacy partners and celebrate our community. There is much to be done to ensure Minnesota meets its promise to all Fosters, and we are making significant progress on that thanks to our Foster leaders and growing Foster Rights Movement.