The Increasing Rates of Childhood and Adolescent Anxiety: How to Help and Support Children and Adolescents Through Anxiety
2026-02-02 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago)
This presentation will provide an overview of anxiety among children and adolescents. It will discuss common symptoms and diagnoses. Dr. Siek will specifically focus on reasons why anxiety is on the rise among this population along with practical solutions on how caregivers and professionals can help support this population experiencing anxiety.

Support Group: Parenting Teens & Young Adults
2026-02-02 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
2026-02-02 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.

Webinar: Neuroception: Using Your Parenting Super-Power!
2026-02-03 12:00 - 13:00 | – Online Webinar/Training, Support Group, or Meeting, MN, United States
Join Us for a Webinar: Neuroception: Using Your Parenting Super-Power!
Tuesday, Feb. 03 from 12-1:00 pm (CT) via Zoom
Exploring more polyvagal theory, we will dig further into how our brains and bodies react when we perceive threat and danger, factoring in caregiver behaviors. When stressed and stretched thin, our unplanned reactions to challenges can broadcast “CODE RED” to kids, creating a feedback loop that can quickly escalate to a tough night, a bad week, or a placement disruption. Let’s talk about preventing it all by creating calm that we can bring kids into, so that our homes have a little less chaos!
Presented by Susan Katherine Taylor
Susan Katherine Taylor has been at Radford University since 2011 as a training coordinator with the Consortium for Resource, Adoptive, and Foster Family Training (CRAFFT) at Radford University. She has worked at state, regional, and local levels with children, caregivers, and the systems that support them. She has an interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree from Davidson College in Psychology and Sociology and graduated with honors from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she obtained her Master of Science in Child & Family Studies. She has post-graduate work from The School of Life, where she majors in humor and humility, with minors in love, loss, and letting go – accumulated over three decades of work with children and those who care for them, and 25 years as a kinship caregiver.

Support Group: General Parenting Support
2026-02-04 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-02-11 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-02-18 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

[Professionals In-Person] Attachment: Security and Connection
2026-02-05 10:30 - 12:30 | Great River Regional Library, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud, 56301
PLEASE NOTE: This is an in-person professionals only training located at the Great River Regional Library with St. Cloud Task Force. Mississippi Room 106 – 1300 W Germain St. Cloud, MN 56301.
This workshop explores how secure attachment and responsive caregiving support healthy brain development, emotional regulation, and behavior in young children – we will frame this in the context of research and Circle of Security Parenting. Participants will learn how everyday interactions shape attachment/connection, how to interpret behavior through an attachment lens, and practical strategies to strengthen connection and support children’s emotional needs.

Writing History, Uncovering Truths
2026-02-05 12:00 - 13:30
As a bestselling and award-winning author and educator, Rhodes has dedicated her life’s work to uncovering suppressed stories. In this talk, she shares her personal experience researching and publishing the first novel to depict the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and delves into the reasons why it’s taken our society so long for these important narratives to come to the forefront. By bringing history to light through fiction, she uncovers the truth in the pursuit of making the future brighter.

Identity in Art Youth Group 2026
2026-02-05 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-02-12 18:00 - 19:30
Identity in Art Youth Group is a safe space for Black Youth from Transracial Families to talk about their journey through Foster Care, Kinship, and Adoption with topics surrounding cultural ethnicity and positive self-identity. This group is facilitated by UMOJA MN staff and community members.
We will meet for four sessions in February. The Cultural Enrichment Support group by facilitated by UMOJA MN will give the opportunity for the participants to connect, share their feelings, life skills and abilities to conquer the world with other youths like themselves. The support group will give lessons on the importance of community connection, ethnicity, positive self-identity and being a Black child today. This is open to 9–12-year-olds, which offers the ability to talk openly about age-appropriate and specific topics.

Dates: Thursdays February 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th.
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Location: Phalen Recreation Center, 1000 E Wheelock Parkway, St. Paul, MN 55106.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact UMOJA MN at umoja@evolveservices.org.
UMOJA MN is funded by the MN Department of Children, Youth and Families for families and caregivers of Black children and youth who are adopted or fostered in MN. Transportation must be provided by caregivers.

Virtual Kinship Support & Education Group
2026-02-06 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
2026-02-07 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: Sunday Night Owl Group
2026-02-08 21:00 - 22:00, 2026-02-15 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

Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Collaboration Between Caregivers and Families of Origin
2026-02-10 11:30 - 13:00
This interactive workshop highlights the exciting work in child welfare related to building and maintaining relationships and communication between birth parents and foster/adoptive parents. The goal of this training is to help foster parents and workers better understand the importance of families working together. We will examine the benefits and challenges of these working relationships and explore strategies to ensure success.

Webinar: One Yes at a Time-How Open Adoption Transformed Our Family
2026-02-10 12:00 - 14:00 | – Online Webinar/Training, Support Group, or Meeting, MN, United States
Join Us for a Webinar: One Yes at a Time-How Open Adoption Transformed Our Family
Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 12-1:30 pm (CT) via Zoom
Join us in an interview with Susan Strong, author of the book, One Yes at a Time, as she shares her open adoption experiences, including the joys of building and maintaining lifelong relationships with her children’s birth parents, making the choice to trust and love each other, navigating challenging moments, and supporting her children’s identities as adopted individuals.
Presented by Susan Strong
Susan Strong is a Twin Cities-based writer. Writing her memoir, One Yes at a Time: How Adoption Transformed Our Family helped her realize that saying yes during pivotal moments in her life is the secret ingredient to positive change. You can read more about Susan and her adoption journey on Substack and at her website.

Support Group: Transracial Families Support
2026-02-11 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

Before I Let Go
2026-02-11 11:00 - 13:00
Most of us know this term as Frankie Beverly & Maze’s most popular song. This timeless song reminds us to think about what families should do as youth are transitioning. This session focuses on the importance of social capital as a strategy to assist young adults as they transition out of foster care. We’ll define what social capital is and how to harness it for our young people.

Share and Support Group
2026-02-11 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)
2026-02-11 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
2026-02-12 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

Foster Care and Education Classes – Online
2026-02-12 17:00 - 18:00 | – 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.

Foster Care and Adoption Education Classes – Hybrid
2026-02-13 09:00 - 16:00 | Children’s Home – St. Paul Office, 1605 Eustis Street, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, United States
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 convenience prior to the one required live session. The live session is a shorter, in-person day of learning. Following the in-person session, you will finish by viewing content from two more guest speakers, closing online material, and a post-test.

Support Group: Central MN Lunch Bunch
2026-02-13 11:00 - 12:30 | Central Minnesota, Details and pre-register here using the link.
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.
Facilitate by Katie Neuman
Parent Support Specialist

Relative & Kinship Share & Support Group
2026-02-16 19:00 - 20:00 | – Online Webinar/Training, Support Group, or Meeting, MN, United States
This is a welcoming virtual space for caregivers of relative and kin youth – whether through foster care or informal arrangements – to connect, share experiences, and support one another.
Reach out to Nexus Kindred Family Healing’s Kinship Navigator Resource Line at 320-200-2442 to learn more.

Webinar: Applying for MFIP Benefits
2026-02-17 12:00 - 13:00 | – Online Webinar/Training, Support Group, or Meeting, MN, United States
Minnesota benefits are important for parenting families. Learn how to apply online for Food Assistance (SNAP), Emergency Assistance), MFIP/Cash programs, and the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) with one online application. Find out how to upload documents to your application without creating a sign in. We will also review the paper application.
Details:
Tuesday Feb 17th noon — 1:00 pm
Virtual Presentation via Zoom
Janet Salo is a Kinship Navigator with the Kinship Family Support Services, a program of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. She is an advocate for kinship caregivers and children in their care. She brings over 25 years of non-profit experience focusing on advocacy and support of individuals with unique abilities and needs, educational advocacy, training and support for kinship caregivers and children in transition.

Grief, Loss, and Your Biological Child
2026-02-17 12:00 - 13:30
The birth children of foster and adoptive parents experience grief and loss in a unique way. From the comings and goings, new additions, changes to routines, and shifts in family dynamics, the family unit is no longer the same. This presentation will explore the many different ways birth children may experience and express grief within foster and adoptive families, and how parents can support them in processing these complex emotions.

Helping Your Teen Navigate Stress and Anxiety: A Caregivers Guide
2026-02-19 11:00 - 12:00
As rates of teen mental health concerns continue to rise, caregivers are often asking teens “What can I do to help?”. This presentation will provide clear, research-informed answers with practice tools that meet families where they are at.
Participants will learn how to:
– Recognize early signs of stress and anxiety in adolescents
– Use calming and validating communication strategies to help build trust
– Teach and model tools based on evidence-based practices
– Create a simple family action plan for emotional wellness
– Identify when and how to seek additional professional or school-based support

Support Group: Metro Lunch Bunch
2026-02-19 11:00 - 12:30 | Metro Lunch Bunch, Use the link to pre-register.
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
