Calendar of events

Comments sought on Child Care and Development Fund Plan

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) seeks public comments on the proposed 2014-15 federal Child Care and Development Fund plan (PDF) until Monday, June 10.

To submit comments or questions about the proposed plan, email dhs.child.care@state.mn.us or send mail to Child Development Services, Minnesota Department of Human Services, PO Box 64962, St. Paul, MN 55164-0962.

A recording of a May 1 hearing on the plan is available for viewing at:.

mms://stream2.video.state.mn.us/oet/dhsccdf20142015planpublichrg050113.wmv

About the Child Care and Development Fund

The Child Care and Development Fund is the primary federal program specifically devoted to child care services and quality. The Child Care and Development Fund Plan funds the Child Care Assistance Program, which provides assistance to help families with low incomes pay for child care so that parents may pursue employment or educations leading to employment and that children are well cared for and prepared to enter school ready to learn. It also provides funding for quality improvement activities for care and education programs.

Minnesota’s current Child Care Development Fund Plan for FFY 2012-13 (PDF) (Oct. 1, 2011, to Sept. 30, 2013), expires Dec. 31, 2013.

Nursing home quality conference May 16 in St. Cloud

The yearly conference of the Minnesota Performance-based Incentive Payment Program (PIPP) for Nursing Home Quality is set for Thursday, May 16, at the St. Cloud River’s Edge Conference Center. With the theme “Maximizing Networks to Achieve Resident-directed Care,” this year’s conference will include opportunities for participants to share their experiences with such topics as improving nursing home resident health through reduction of medications, creating data tools to monitor program effectiveness, creating a palliative care program and consumer-centered discharge planning.

The PIPP conference is presented in a partnership between Minnesota nursing homes, DHS, the University of Minnesota and Indiana University. More information is in a flier about the conference (PDF). Contact Kimberly Class in the DHS Nursing Facility Rates and Policy Division at 651-431-2274 for more information.

DHS participates in Financial Literacy Month activities

During April, Financial Literacy Month, DHS joined with 10 state agencies in activities to increase financial literacy. The effort includes more than 40 activities and is aimed at empowering students, soldiers, families and senior citizens to learn more about their finances.

To effort targets Minnesotans to:

  • • Ensure they have the skills, knowledge and resources they need to achieve financial security.
  • • Build skills to protect themselves from common scams and frauds.
  • • Help them better understand credit, borrowing responsibly, budgeting and planning for all of life’s stages, including retirement.
  • • Show them how to create and manage a budget, pay down debt while saving for emergencies and develop achievable financial goals.
  • • Empower them and their families to learn more about their finances and make informed decisions to secure a successful financial future.

    • On April 9, DHS collaborated with the Federal Reserve, the JumpStart Coalition, and the Minnesota Financial Planners Association to present a model for financial literacy mentoring to transition age youth, at FamilyMeans Consumer Credit Counseling Service in Stillwater.

    In addition to events this month, DHS is sponsoring the 2013 Minnesota Financial Fitness Conference, Economic InSecurity, June 5 to 7, at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center. Event information and registration are at http://www.helpmnsave.org/.

    Foster Care Month events planned to celebrate families

    To celebrate foster families, DHS and five counties — Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Scott —are working with professional sports teams to host two special events. On May 18, foster families will attend the Fourth Annual Celebrate Foster Families at the Minnesota United vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies soccer match at the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis. Families will participate in a soccer clinic for all youth with Tony Sanneh, former professional player, and a professional soccer match and family fun activities.

    A table will be staffed by county foster care experts to provide information to interested families. This event is sponsored by The Sanneh Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation that uses soccer to unite diverse communities and help underserved children achieve success on and off the field, and the Minnesota United.

    On June 9, foster families will attend the Third Annual Celebrate Foster Families St. Paul Saints vs. Wichita Wingnuts game at Midway Stadium in St. Paul. They will also partake in a pre-game ceremony recognizing foster parents and activities for children after the game. A table will be staffed by county foster care experts to provide information to interested families. This event is sponsored by the St. Paul Saints.

    Conference to focus on impact of trauma on children

    MN Adopt, in conjunction with the Minnesota Adoption Resource Network, is hosting "Caring for Children Who Have Experienced Trauma," a two-day conference for adoptive, foster and kinship families and professionals, May 17 and 18 at the Marriott Minneapolis West in St. Louis Park. The Minnesota Adoption Resource Network is under contract with DHS to provide supports and services to adoptive families.

    Dr. Gregory Keck will present his keynote speech “The Impact of Trauma on Human Development” for professionals on the first day of the conference, examining the correlation between early trauma and obstacles faced later in adulthood. Discussions will center on developmental interruptions, trauma responses and the professional’s insight to helping families with traumatized children and behavioral difficulties. A panel discussion, “Impact of Trauma on Human Development: Meeting the Challenge with Tangible Outcomes,” will follow and discuss Minnesota programs that are showing positive results for current families dealing with child trauma.

    The second day of the conference will focus on adoptive, foster and kinship families beginning with keynote speaker Dr. Anne Gearity, a professor and clinical social worker in mental health. “Parenting Guidance: Using Development as Your Lens” presents the mental, emotional and behavioral aspects of a child’s transition from foster care to adoption. Keck will host a second panel discussion, “Parenting the Hurt Child: Helping Adoptive and Foster Families Heal and Grow,” with solutions and techniques for families with children of trauma.

    The last day to register for the event is Monday, May 13, 2013. Complete information about the event, speakers and registration can be found on the MN Adopt website, by calling 612-861-7115 or 866-303-6276, or by email at info@mnadopt.org.

    Training session on effects of trauma on children is June 1

    MN ADOPT, in conjunction with the Minnesota Adoption Resource Network, is hosting a one-day training session examining the effects of trauma on children. "Beyond Consequences: Helping Families Heal," will be held Saturday, June 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Radisson Blu Hotel, 2100 Killebrew Drive, Bloomington. The Minnesota Adoption Resource Network is under contract with DHS to provide supports to adoptive families.

    Heather T. Forbes, a licensed clinical social worker, will speak to attendees on a child’s brain development beginning at conception and take a look at how trauma affects the whole child, from brain to the nervous system. Forbes will also examine common mental health disorders that are linked to memory, emotions and stress in children of all ages and where these disorders originate within the child.

    Learning objectives for participants include understanding the impact of stress and trauma, identifying the dynamics of love and fear, and learning the meaning of regulation and deregulation.

    The registration deadline for the event is May 27. Complete information about the event, speaker and registration can be found on the MN ADOPT website, at 612-861-7115 or 866-303-6276 or at info@mnadopt.org.

    Deaf and hard of hearing events

    The Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division sponsors a variety of training sessions and other activities for people who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing or a caregiver. More information about the training is online.


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