FAMILY CALENDAR
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- FAMILY CALENDAR
Calendar of Events
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0 events,
1 event,
PACC and PLX registrations open!
PACC and PLX registrations open!
Permanency and Adoption Competency Certificate (PACC) The Permanency and Adoption Competency Certificate (PACC) was developed in 2010 as a response to community demand to meet the need for increasing the availability and competency of a professional workforce able to work across systems to serve the unique and complex clinical and practice needs for adopted individuals…
3 events,
Support Group: General Parenting Support
Support Group: General Parenting Support
Virtual weekly support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Julie Peterson Parent Support Specialist
Kinship: Know Your Rights
Kinship: Know Your Rights
This presentation is for relative and kinship families who are considering becoming a permanency resource for a child or youth they know and love who is in foster care. It may also be helpful for attorneys who represent kin, as well as other professionals working in the child welfare system, who want to understand the…
Virtual Book Club
Virtual Book Club
Join us for bi-weekly virtual sessions focusing on trauma-informed books that focus on parenting, adoption, foster and kinship families. The first book we will be reading is called Raising Kids with BIG, Baffling Behaviors: Brain-Body-Sensory Strategies that Really Work by: Robyn Gobbel. Pre-registration is required. Click on Book Club Link to pre-register. Facilitated by, Jeanne Walsh Parent Support Specialist
1 event,
Support Group: Chit, Chat & Chill Caregiver Support
Support Group: Chit, Chat & Chill Caregiver Support
In-person support for foster, adoptive, and kinship caregivers aimed at practicing self-care and connecting with other caregivers. Location: Qamaria Yemini Coffee Co. 3 Little Canada Rd. E Little Canada, MN 55117 Facilitated by Julie Peterson Email: juliepeterson@wearefamiliesrising.org Parent Support Specialist
1 event,
Virtual Kinship Support & Education Group
Virtual Kinship Support & Education Group
1st & 3rd Fridays of the Month 9:30-10:45 am on Zoom Facilitator: Janet Salo, Kinship Navigator Providing education, information and mutual support for kinship caregivers-those caring for a relative's or friend's child. Thoughtful topics that help you in your role as a kinship caregiver such as child development, relationships with adult children, understanding trauma, mental…
2 events,
Adoption Day Camp
Adoption Day Camp
A Program for Adopted Youth to Connect & Celebrate Their Identity Open to Adoptees in 2nd through 7th Grade Our Adoption Day Camp is a four-part in-person series designed for adopted youth who have a finalized adoption. Participants will have the opportunity to get to know other adoptees through exciting activities and age-appropriate discussions about identity,…
In-Person Kinship Support and Education Groups
In-Person Kinship Support and Education Groups
Our Kinship Support and Education Groups are open to all kinship caregivers- those caring for a relative’s or friend’s child. We offer both virtual and in-person group sessions. Virtual sessions occur the first and third Friday of every month, while the in-person sessions take place the first Saturday of every month. Join us when you can…
1 event,
Support Group: Sunday Night Owl Group
Support Group: Sunday Night Owl Group
Weekly late-night virtual support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Nitara Frost Senior Parent Support Specialist
2 events,
Support Group: Parenting Teens & Young Adults
Support Group: Parenting Teens & Young Adults
Virtual monthly parenting support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers of youth and young adults. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Nitara Frost Senior Parent Support Specialist
Share and Support Group
Share and Support Group
Support Groups are an excellent tool where families are able to share experiences and encourage each other in a confidential, non-judgmental setting. Support Groups are facilitated by North Homes case managers, with years of experience in both adoption and foster care fields. It is an opportune time for families to network, problem solve, and gather…
0 events,
3 events,
Support Group: General Parenting Support
Support Group: General Parenting Support
Virtual weekly support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Julie Peterson Parent Support Specialist
Share and Support Group
Share and Support Group
Support Groups are an excellent tool where families are able to share experiences and encourage each other in a confidential, non-judgmental setting. Support Groups are facilitated by North Homes case managers, with years of experience in both adoption and foster care fields. It is an opportune time for families to network, problem solve and gather…
Support Group: Transracial Families Support (virtual)
Support Group: Transracial Families Support (virtual)
Virtual monthly support group for adoptive, foster, and kinship transracial families. *Caregivers only* Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Nitara Frost, Senior Parent Support Specialist and…
5 events,
Foster Care and Education Classes – Online
Foster Care and Education Classes – Online
The online track is best suited for individuals who want flexibility, have limited business hour availability, and/or those who prefer virtual learning. Couples may complete their education together or pursue…
Support Group: Kinship Caregivers Support
Support Group: Kinship Caregivers Support
Join us for a monthly virtual support group for kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Katie Neuman Parent Support Specialist
[Part 2] Gender-Based Violence: A Caring, Community Approach to Supporting Childhood Survivors
[Part 2] Gender-Based Violence: A Caring, Community Approach to Supporting Childhood Survivors
In Part Two of this series, we will explore trauma-informed responses to gender-based violence. We will address how to help create a healthy, safe environment that pulls survivors toward safety…
3 events,
Foster Care and Adoption Education Classes – In-Person
Foster Care and Adoption Education Classes – In-Person
The in-person track is best suited for individuals who need or desire to complete their education quickly, prefer in-person learning and/or those who have previously completed education and want a refresher course. This track will primarily take place during two live consecutive days (Friday/Saturday) with minimal use of the online learning management system which includes…
Support Group: Central MN Lunch Bunch
Support Group: Central MN Lunch Bunch
Join us for a monthly meetup to connect with other foster, adoptive, and kinship parents to talk over lunch for emotional and parent resource support. We will meet monthly at…
Relative/Kin Legal Clinic
Relative/Kin Legal Clinic
Free virtual legal clinic for relative & kin families hoping to be a permanency resource for a child in foster care. What to expect during the clinic: A brief "Know Your Rights" presentation A 1:1 consultation with an attorney Connection, support, and resource sharing Space is limited! Please RSVP at this link, or the link…
2 events,
Connect2Connect: Community Gathering
Connect2Connect: Community Gathering
Join Us for Community & Connection Connect2Connect provides opportunities for foster and adoptive families to connect with one another and build relationships in an in-person, interactive, and fun way. Connect2Connect is…
Support Group: Sunday Night Owl Group
Support Group: Sunday Night Owl Group
Weekly late-night virtual support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Nitara Frost Senior Parent Support Specialist
2 events,
Foster Care and Adoption Education Classes – Hybrid
Foster Care and Adoption Education Classes – Hybrid
This education option is the balance between the in-person and online options. It is best suited for individuals who want to move swiftly and prefer a blended learning style. Your…
Pride Caregiver Support Group
Pride Caregiver Support Group
The group was created to provide foster and adoptive caregivers who are part of the LGBTQ+ community an opportunity to connect about their experiences as foster and adoptive parents. This group is facilitated by CH/LSS staff. Participants may have worked with, or currently be working with, any agency/county for foster care or any type of…
0 events,
5 events,
Support Group: General Parenting Support
Support Group: General Parenting Support
Virtual weekly support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Julie Peterson Parent Support Specialist
Greater Minnesota Parent Support Group
Greater Minnesota Parent Support Group
Open to pre-adoptive, adoptive, foster, relative and/or kinship caregivers living in Greater Minnesota (outside the Twin Cities Metro Area). This online group is facilitated by CH/LSS staff and offers connection, positive parenting strategies, support, and more! After registration, you will receive a link to join the next Zoom session. This service is provided by funding made…
Brain Training for our Foster & Adoptive Kids to be Solution Seekers
Brain Training for our Foster & Adoptive Kids to be Solution Seekers
It is common for foster and adoptive children to wrestle with emotional dysregulation and a sense of disconnection due to the way in which we were brought into the world, inconsistent caregiving, and our loss. I am a nature-based occupational therapist and am passionate about empowering my young clients to build awareness of their senses,…
1 event,
Support Group: Metro Lunch Bunch
Support Group: Metro Lunch Bunch
Join us for a monthly meetup to connect with other foster, adoptive, and kinship parents to talk over lunch for emotional and parent resource support. We will meet monthly at various locations. Pre-registration is required. Click on the Lunch Bunch Link to view details and pre-register. Facilitated by Julie Peterson Parent Support Specialist
1 event,
Virtual Kinship Support & Education Group
Virtual Kinship Support & Education Group
1st & 3rd Fridays of the Month 9:30-10:45 am on Zoom Facilitator: Janet Salo, Kinship Navigator Providing education, information and mutual support for kinship caregivers-those caring for a relative's or friend's child. Thoughtful topics that help you in your role as a kinship caregiver such as child development, relationships with adult children, understanding trauma, mental…
1 event,
Connect2Connect: Community Gathering
Connect2Connect: Community Gathering
Join Us for Community & Connection Connect2Connect provides opportunities for foster and adoptive families to connect with one another and build relationships in an in-person, interactive, and fun way. Connect2Connect is made possible by the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families Permanency Support Service grant. CHLSS Eustis Building – Saint Paul, MN Saturday, April 19th,…
1 event,
Support Group: Sunday Night Owl Group
Support Group: Sunday Night Owl Group
Weekly late-night virtual support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Nitara Frost Senior Parent Support Specialist
0 events,
4 events,
Parents of Adopted Adults Support Group
Parents of Adopted Adults Support Group
A support group for individuals who have an adult (18+) child adopted through any type of adoption (infant, international, foster care adoption). Sessions will be held online. Parents from any placing agency/county are welcome to attend. While each story is unique, we recognize that there are many core similarities that adoption weaves into life experiences.…
Financial Matters
Financial Matters
Kinship families, who are raising a nonbiological child, are faced with financial and emotional challenges and opportunities. This webinar will explore key financial topics for kinship families we will discuss include legal costs, health and medical expenses, tax benefits and deductions, budgeting for long term care expenses, government benefits and creating financial safety nets. We will have…
Webinar: Trauma-Informed Parenting: Helping Heal the Deepest Wounds
Webinar: Trauma-Informed Parenting: Helping Heal the Deepest Wounds
Join Us for a Webinar: Trauma-Informed Parenting: Helping Heal the Deepest Wounds Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. (CT) “All you need is love,” says The Beatles’ tune. For kids with significant adverse childhood experiences, however, love may have resulted in just as much pain as protection. Separated from their parents, the very same…
4 events,
Support Group: General Parenting Support
Support Group: General Parenting Support
Virtual weekly support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Julie Peterson Parent Support Specialist
Foster Care and Education Classes – Online
Foster Care and Education Classes – Online
The online track is best suited for individuals who want flexibility, have limited business hour availability, and/or those who prefer virtual learning. Couples may complete their education together or pursue it separately. Either way, each participant must attend the entirety of their chosen track. In this track, you will complete your education over a four-week…
Virtual Book Club
Virtual Book Club
Join us for bi-weekly virtual sessions focusing on trauma-informed books that focus on parenting, adoption, foster and kinship families. The first book we will be reading is called Raising Kids with BIG, Baffling Behaviors: Brain-Body-Sensory Strategies that Really Work by: Robyn Gobbel. Pre-registration is required. Click on Book Club Link to pre-register. Facilitated by, Jeanne Walsh Parent Support Specialist
0 events,
3 events,
Spring Family Retreat
Spring Family Retreat
All Ampersand-affiliated families who have a foster or adoptive youth in their home are invited to attend our Spring Family Retreat at Campfire Bay Resort! All eligible families will receive a direct invite with a link to RSVP, and the RSVP link will also be in the general family newsletter.
Foster Care and Adoption Education Classes – Hybrid
Foster Care and Adoption Education Classes – Hybrid
This education option is the balance between the in-person and online options. It is best suited for individuals who want to move swiftly and prefer a blended learning style. Your education will begin with an online pre-test as well as introductory and a guest speaker section of online learning. This can be completed at your…
Kinship Support Group
Kinship Support Group
EVOLVE Family Services is collaboratively hosting a Kinship Support Group with the Institute to Transform Child protection. This group is held monthly, on the last Friday of every month at Wilder Foundation. This group is intended to provide a space for Kinship caregivers to connect on similar experience and learn from one another. Special topics…
1 event,
2 events,
Support Group: Sunday Night Owl Group
Support Group: Sunday Night Owl Group
Weekly late-night virtual support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Nitara Frost Senior Parent Support Specialist
1 event,
Support Group: General Parenting Support (evening)
Support Group: General Parenting Support (evening)
Virtual monthly support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Katie Neuman Parent Support Specialist
0 events,
2 events,
Support Group: General Parenting Support
Support Group: General Parenting Support
Virtual weekly support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Julie Peterson Parent Support Specialist
Virtual Book Club
Virtual Book Club
Join us for bi-weekly virtual sessions focusing on trauma-informed books that focus on parenting, adoption, foster and kinship families. The first book we will be reading is called Raising Kids with BIG, Baffling Behaviors: Brain-Body-Sensory Strategies that Really Work by: Robyn Gobbel. Pre-registration is required. Click on Book Club Link to pre-register. Facilitated by, Jeanne Walsh Parent Support Specialist
2 events,
The Five Most Common Challenging Behaviors and What to do About Them
The Five Most Common Challenging Behaviors and What to do About Them
PLEASE NOTE: To receive a certificate of attendance for the live webinar, attendees must register individually, attend the entire training, and watch from their own device to ensure proper tracking This presentation explores the most challenging behaviors children who have experienced trauma may exhibit and provides practical, trauma-informed strategies for responding with empathy and effectiveness. Child…
Support Group: Chit, Chat & Chill Caregiver Support
Support Group: Chit, Chat & Chill Caregiver Support
In-person support for foster, adoptive, and kinship caregivers aimed at practicing self-care and connecting with other caregivers. Location: Qamaria Yemini Coffee Co. 3 Little Canada Rd. E Little Canada, MN 55117 Facilitated by Julie Peterson Email: juliepeterson@wearefamiliesrising.org Parent Support Specialist
1 event,
Virtual Kinship Support & Education Group
Virtual Kinship Support & Education Group
1st & 3rd Fridays of the Month 9:30-10:45 am on Zoom Facilitator: Janet Salo, Kinship Navigator Providing education, information and mutual support for kinship caregivers-those caring for a relative's or friend's child. Thoughtful topics that help you in your role as a kinship caregiver such as child development, relationships with adult children, understanding trauma, mental…
2 events,
In-Person Kinship Support and Education Groups
In-Person Kinship Support and Education Groups
Our Kinship Support and Education Groups are open to all kinship caregivers- those caring for a relative’s or friend’s child. We offer both virtual and in-person group sessions. Virtual sessions occur the first and third Friday of every month, while the in-person sessions take place the first Saturday of every month. Join us when you can…
Silent Battle: Understanding and Supporting Children Impacted by Trauma
Silent Battle: Understanding and Supporting Children Impacted by Trauma
In-Person Training Date/Time: Saturday May 3, 2025, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm Location: St. Cloud Public Library; 1300 W St Germain St, St Cloud, MN 56301 This training is designed for foster and adoptive parents to deepen their understanding of the hidden struggles children face due to trauma. We will explore how trauma affects the brain and…
1 event,
Support Group: Sunday Night Owl Group
Support Group: Sunday Night Owl Group
Weekly late-night virtual support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. Click on the Support Group Link to join. Facilitated by Nitara Frost Senior Parent Support Specialist
