Permanency Hub MN

Social Work Ethics in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Navigating Opportunities and Risks
2025-09-23 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into health, human services, and social work practice (from predictive analytics and risk assessment tools to client engagement platforms) social workers must be equipped to navigate its ethical implications. This professional development session explores the intersection of social work values and AI technologies. Participants will examine how core principles such as client self-determination, informed consent, confidentiality, equity, and social justice are challenged and reinterpreted in an AI-driven landscape. Through case studies, interactive discussion, and critical reflection, attendees will develop a framework for ethically assessing AI tools and advocating for responsible innovation that centers human dignity and supports the profession’s commitment to social good.

Parents of Adopted Adults Support Group
2025-09-23 12:00 - 13:30 | – Online Webinar/Training, Support Group, or Meeting, MN, United States
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. Topics will be suggested, but each month the conversation will be open to relevant, participant-led, discussion. This is a safe, confidential space, the group is facilitated by parents of adult adoptees who are also CH/LSS staff.
After registration, you will receive information to join the next session. Please feel free to register for one, multiple, or all sessions. This service is provided by funding made possible by the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
Meeting Details
This group meets online and takes place on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 6:00–7:30 p.m. (CT). There is no cost to attend. You may register to attend one, multiple, or all dates offered below.
For virtual meetings, you will receive a Zoom link via email the day of the meeting.

Support Group: Central MN Parenting Support
2025-09-23 18:00 - 19:30 | Great River Regional Library, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud, 56301
Join our in-person support group for foster, adoptive, and kinship caregivers in St Cloud and surrounding area.
Childcare and dinner are provided.
Pre-registration is required. Click on the Support Group Link to pre-register.
Location: 1300 W. St. Germain St. Room 268
Facilitated by Katie Nueman
Parent Support Specialist

Culturally Responsive Parenting Group
2025-09-23 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-09-30 18:00 - 19:30 | Minnesota Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 10715 Zenith Ave S, Bloomington, 55431
UMOJA‘s Culturally Responsive Parenting Group provides a safe space for caregivers to ask questions and gain more understanding of their own biases and how to confront and reduce personal bias to better serve their children. This group also focuses on positive discipline, being a Black child in the world today, and trauma surrounding foster care and adoption. This group is a 4-session commitment, with each session lasting 90 minutes.
Our next Culturally Responsive Parenting Group will be held September 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th at Minnesota Valley Unitarian Fellowship in Bloomington, MN from 6:00pm-7:30pm. This group will be run by Elliot Manago-Lawler – a licensed therapist specializing in adoption.

Support Group: General Parenting Support
2025-09-24 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-10-01 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-10-08 09:00 - 10:30
Virtual weekly support for adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers.
Click on the Support Group Link to join.
Facilitated by Julie Peterson
Parent Support Specialist

Support Group: Rainbow Families Support
2025-09-24 19:30 - 21:00
Virtual support for LGBTQIA2S+ adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers.
Click on the Support Group Link to join.
Facilitated by Nitara Frost
Senior Parent Support Specialist

The Ethical Responsibility of Social Justice in Families
2025-09-25 10:00 - 11:30
The Ethical Responsibility of Social Justice in Families
When: Thursday, Sep 25th 2025
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (Central Time)
Cost: Free

Recording Notes: This webinar will be not recorded.

Audience: Parents& Professionals
Level: Intermediate
Ages addressed: 0-18
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
In today’s world, the call for social justice extends beyond public spaces and into our homes, where the
foundational dynamics of equity are shaped. Adoption is a deeply complex process, influenced by social,
cultural, and ethical considerations. In this engaging seminar, we’ll explore the intersection of social
justice and adoption, focusing on how these dynamics impact families and adoption practices.
This training will examine the ethical responsibilities families face when integrating social justice into
their daily lives. Participants will gain insight into how race, culture, and systemic inequalities shape
family systems and influence both children and adults. We’ll discuss how principles like equity, inclusion,
and anti-racism should guide ethical decision-making in adoption, and how these values can create
supportive, understanding, and fair environments for all children.
Social justice is not just a buzzword—it’s an ongoing framework that helps dismantle entrenched biases,
harmful narratives, and inequities within adoption agencies, legal systems, and family structures.
Through expert insights, real-world examples, and actionable strategies, this session will equip parents,
caregivers, and families with the tools they need to foster more just and inclusive family environments.
Whether you are navigating the adoption process, seeking to create a more inclusive home, or working
as a professional in the field, this webinar will provide the resources you need to embed social justice
principles into family systems and everyday practices.

EVOLVE Kinship Support Group
2025-09-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Wilder Foundation, 451 Lexington Pkwy N, Saint Paul
The Kinship Support Group is a monthly meeting for Kinship Caregivers. The sessions will be at the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation located at 451 Lexington Parkway N. St. Paul, MN 55104.
During the in-person sessions, light snacks and refreshments will be provided. EVOLVE’s Kinship Support Group will be facilitated by Cierra Buckner, LSW, from the Institute to Transform Child Protection, in partnership with EVOLVE.

Support Group: Sunday Night Owl Group
2025-09-28 21:00 - 22:00, 2025-10-05 21:00 - 22:00
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

Courtroom Testimony for County Workers (and other reluctant witnesses)
2025-09-29 13:00 - 14:30
A Primer on how to prepare for and present credible professional testimony in depositions, hearings, and trials (and survive to tell about it). We will discuss direct examination v. cross examination, preparation, concurrent role of expert, deposition v. trial/hearing testimony, tips to be most effective… and what this all means! Whether you are a county worker or foster parent, understanding the other folks in the courtroom and their roles will leave you feeling more prepared and comfortable in front of a judge. There will be a Q&A session at the end of the presentation.

PACC and PLX registration deadline
2025-09-30

[Part 2] Secondary Trauma
2025-09-30 08:00 - 09:30
This is the second session in our two-part webinar series on Secondary Trauma, also known as vicarious trauma. Secondary Trauma is the emotional and psychological impact experienced by people who are indirectly exposed to the traumatic experiences of others. It can occur through hearing details about or witnessing the aftermath of a trauma, and it can lead to symptoms similar to those of post-traumatic stress disorder. Secondary trauma is common among helping professionals and those close to trauma survivors. Day 2 will build upon the foundational concepts introduced in Day 1, diving deeper into the symptoms, risk factors, and evidence-based strategies for coping with secondary trauma. Attendees will leave with a stronger understanding of how to recognize and manage the impact of secondary trauma in both personal and professional settings.
If you missed Part 1, we highly recommend watching the recording in our webinar library to get the most out of this series.

Foster Care and Education Classes – Online
2025-10-02 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-07 09:00 - 10:30 | – Online Webinar/Training, Support Group, or Meeting, MN, United States
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 period. In addition to pre- and post-tests to assess your learning, you will participate in a required, pre-scheduled check-in with our education facilitators each week.
This class is available in Spanish upon request.

Virtual Kinship Support & Education Group
2025-10-03 09:30 - 11:00 | – Online Webinar/Training, Support Group, or Meeting, MN, United States
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 health resources and more!

In-Person Kinship Support and Education Groups
2025-10-04 10:00 - 11:30 | Peace Lutheran Church, 4512 France Ave N, Robbinsdale, 55422
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 for mutual support, ideas.

Support Group: Parenting Teens & Young Adults
2025-10-06 14:00 - 15:30
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
2025-10-06 19:00 - 21:00 | – Online Webinar/Training, Support Group, or Meeting, MN, United States
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 information on available resources and trainings.

Understanding the Mind of the Child with Lying and Stealing Problems
2025-10-07 12:00 - 13:30
Lying and stealing can be fairly typical behaviors in children from traumatic backgrounds. They have often served to help the child survive in a world perceived as dangerous and ungiving. The mind of the child who resorts to secret and solitary behaviors may believe that needs and wants are not met by parents. We will explain the possible origins of these behaviors, and intervention considerations will be discussed as a part of this workshop.

Webinar: Curly Hair Loving Care
2025-10-07 12:00 - 13:30 | – Online Webinar/Training, Support Group, or Meeting, MN, United States
Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 12-1:30 pm (CT) via Zoom
This course introduces parents to the connection children have with their hair as well as the needs of textured hair and melanated skin. Parents will gain an understanding of the importance of celebrating ties for children in foster care as well as the basics of proper hair care to begin styling with confidence. This workshop is beneficial for parents with textured hair children of all ages.
Presented by Joy Hankins
Joy Hankins is the Founder and CEO of The Joy of Curls, a plant-based hair care brand with a mission to empower and support kids in foster care. As a foster parent and educator, Joy combines her passion for textured hair with advocacy, providing hair styling workshops and culture classes agencies and caregivers. Her impactful work has been featured in Fostering Families Today Magazine, national podcasts, and on ABC, CBS and NBC news affiliates. In her spare time, Joy loves traveling with her husband their small children as well as Salsa dancing.

Support Group: Transracial Families Support
2025-10-08 05:30 - 19:00 | Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan, 55121
Join us for our in-person support for caregivers & youth in transracial families. Youth will engage in a separate activity while caregivers meet. Refreshments provided.
Childcare provided for youth 8 and under.
Pre-registration is required. Click on the Support Group Link to register.
Facilitated by Nitara Frost, Senior Parent Support Specialist and Carissa Franklin, Youth Engagement Specialist

Share and Support Group
2025-10-08 12:00 - 14:00 | – Online Webinar/Training, Support Group, or Meeting, MN, United States
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 information on available resources and trainings.

Support Group: Transracial Families Support (virtual)
2025-10-08 19:00 - 20:30
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 Carissa Franklin, Youth Engagement Specialist

Support Group: Kinship Caregivers Support
2025-10-09 09:00 - 10:30 | Zoom Link
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

Adult Adoptee Support Group
2025-10-09 18:00 - 19:30 | – Online Webinar/Training, Support Group, or Meeting, MN, United States
Adult Adoptees from all placing agencies are welcome to attend. While each story is unique, we recognize that there are many core similarities that adoption weaves into life experiences. Topics will be suggested, but each month the conversation will be open to relevant, participant-led, discussion. This is a safe, confidential space, the group is facilitated by adult adoptee CH/LSS staff.
Participants may have been adopted through any type of adoption (infant, international, foster care adoption) and through any agency/county. After registration, you will receive information to join the next session. This service is provided by funding made possible by the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
Meeting Details
This group meets on the second Thursday of the month from 6:00-7:30 p.m. (CT). Meetings alternate between online and in-person options. There is no cost to attend. You may register to attend one, multiple, or all dates offered below.
In-person meetings will take place at our main office: 1605 Eustis Street, Saint Paul, MN 55108.
For virtual meetings, you will receive a Zoom link via email the day of the meeting.

Kinship Parenting and Building Resilience
2025-10-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual Conference, conference@wearefamiliesrising.org
This training acknowledges the complexities associated with Relative/Kinship caregiving through fostering and adoption. Topics will include divided loyalties, redefining roles and relationships, setting boundaries with parents and other relatives, the range of emotions caregivers can feel and how children who have experienced trauma, separation, or loss can impact a caregiver’s own well-being. Strategies for how to manage family dynamics and conflicts, identify triggers and effectively manage stress are shared.
This training is for Ampersand kinship caregivers who are completing the home study assessment process. Please consult with your permanency specialist before signing up.
All trainings are subject to change and cancellation based on need.
