What’s new for: Children

Timeline extended for adults to access food program

Unemployed and underemployed Minnesotans now have a little more help purchasing healthy food. The U.S. Department of Agriculture extended its timeline to allow able-bodied adults without dependents an exemption from work provisions until the end of the federal fiscal year, September 2013, enabling them to access food through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The waiver was first made available to states in January 2009. Minnesota is one of 46 qualifying states or geographic areas receiving the waiver now. Able-bodied Minnesotans are encouraged to voluntarily use SNAP employment and training services until they can find sustainable work. More information on SNAP is available on the DHS website.

Families help launch Foster Care month at soccer match

Hundreds of children and their foster families celebrated the launch of Foster Care Month at pre-match festivities and the Minnesota Stars vs. Atlanta Silverbacks soccer match in Blaine May 5. To recognize the commitment of foster families who care for children in crisis and help them safely reunite with their birth families or move on to other safe, nurturing, permanent families, counties and DHS, the Minnesota Stars and The Sanneh Foundation expressed their appreciation during the third annual Celebrate Foster Families event. More information is in a story about the foster care event.

Financial literacy partnership targets youth in foster care

A partnership involving DHS, the Minnesota JumpStart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy and the Financial Planning Association of Minnesota (FPAMN) will soon provide personal financial education and mentoring for Minnesota youth transitioning from foster care. A series of personal finance classes at Face to Face Health and Counseling Services (SafeZone) is slated to begin in June. More information is in a story about the partnership.

Report offers recommendations on serving teen parents on MFIP

A new report features different ways counties serve teen parents and their children who participate in the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP). MFIP provides low-income families with cash and food assistance for up to 60 months while they progress toward self-sufficiency. DHS interviewed financial workers, employment counselors, social workers, public health nurses, child care workers and teachers who work with teens as well as managers. The Four Rs of Service Delivery for MFIP Teen Parents: Approaches of Eight Minnesota Counties (PDF) concludes with recommendations for serving teen parents.

Minnesota chosen for teen pregnancy prevention for foster youth

DHS will help create an evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention curriculum for independent living and transitional planning programs for youth in foster care. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, with funding from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, recently announced the launch of the three-year project to reduce the high rates of pregnancy among youth in foster care. More information is available in a story about the project.

Parent volunteers honored for their leadership, involvement

Members of the Parent Leadership for Child Safety and Permanency team were among dozens honored Feb. 10 at a ceremony at the state Capitol to mark February as National Parent Leadership Month in Minnesota. The volunteers use their leadership skills and experience to bring the “parent voice” to the deliberations of state, counties and tribes. More information is available in a story about the honorees.

Final report yields insights on challenges for children in foster care

The Minnesota Permanency Demonstration sought to determine whether a single benefit program would increase permanency rates and shorten foster care stays among children who had been in foster care for extended periods. A recent report, Minnesota Permanency Demonstration: Final Evaluation (PDF), draws qualified conclusions in support of a single benefit as enhancing the well-being of children by establishing permanent homes and relationships with foster parents. The project operated in Minnesota from October 2005 through September 2010.

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