Many people are not aware there are thousands of people across the state of Minnesota caring for the children of their relatives. It happens in all kinds of families, and it goes like this – family members receive a call from a county or tribal agency asking if they can care for a child that […]

The Connected Kids Initiative (CKI) was born out of eight unique Minnesota agencies collaborating for a better future for kids and families in our communities and neighborhoods. They launched their non-traditional team (non-profit, government and church) in late 2016 and came up with a strategic plan.  They piloted their idea in Anoka County and within one […]

The Sauer Family Foundation is proud to stand with youth in foster care, as well as our youngest Minnesotans at the state capitol. Seeing them and hearing their voices is a reminder to our lawmakers of the important work that needs to be done for the future of our state. The signs carried by the […]

A few years ago, we did two focus groups: one was with youth aging out of foster care and one was with adults who had been in foster care.  In both groups, I listened as they talked about what it felt like to only have adults in their lives who were paid to be there.  […]