Strategies to Support Foster and Adoptive Families with Gender Expansive and LGBTQIA+ Youth
- Online Webinar/Training, Support Group, or Meeting MN, United StatesThere are amazing aspects to caring for a child or teen who is either questioning- or clear- that they are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. At the same time, there are also thought provoking and stressful elements to this experience. This presentation will debunk common myths and answer questions like: How can…
Children’s Home and LSS Foster Care & Adoption Orientation
- Online Webinar/Training, Support Group, or Meeting MN, United StatesChildren’s Home and LSS welcome you to attend this free meeting to learn about fostering and adopting children from within the Minnesota foster care system. This orientation will provide an overview of the process and address details such as children served, timelines, fees (spoiler: there are practically none!), licensing requirements, and more. Along with completing…
Search & Reunion Support Group
- Online Webinar/Training, Support Group, or Meeting MN, United StatesThis group is for adult adoptees and birth parents who are not related to one another and who are considering, or active in, search and reunion or have searched and the other party is not open to contact. This group is facilitated by CH/LSS staff. Members are supportive of one another and willing to share…
Deeper Dive Webinar: Navigating the Transition from Adolescence to Young Adulthood
- Online Webinar/Training, Support Group, or Meeting MN, United StatesAs adoptive and foster parents, we know that our youth may need additional supports as they enter adulthood, but these supports are often hard to find and difficult to understand. Parents often “Don’t know what they don’t know” and learn about options after the fact. Join adoptive parents Martha Johnson and Katie Neumann as they…
Foster Care and Adoption Education Classes – In-Person
Best Western Plus Kelly Inn 100 4th Avenue S, Saint CloudThis education option 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. Couples may complete their education together or pursue it separately. Either way, each participant must attend the entirety of their chosen track. Your…
Virtual Kinship Support & Education Group
- Online Webinar/Training, Support Group, or Meeting MN, United States1st & 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…
Summer Mini Retreat
Great Wolf LodgeCome hang out with us at Great Wolf Lodge! Ampersand staff will be there in a private room that we book from 1pm-5pm, but families are welcome to come earlier and/or stay later if they wish. Eligible families must be affiliated with Ampersand Families to attend. This includes being licensed by us, having placement of…
Families Rising Minnesota Caregiver Retreat
Radisson Blu MOA 2100 Killebrew Dr, BloomingtonJoin us for a retreat for Minnesota adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers. This event offers a unique opportunity for caregivers to relax and renew while learning solution-based parenting and self-care strategies. Take a break from responsibilities, rejuvenate, and enjoy the company of new and old friends! Activities Engage in discussions and community-building activities covering a…
Families Rising Minnesota Youth ConnectionZ Summer Camp!
6365 Sibley Ave, Ft. Snelling, MN 55111 6365 Sibley Ave, Ft. SnellingGet ready for an unforgettable summer filled with adventure, learning, and fun at the Youth ConnectionZ Summer Camp Session! This enriching program is designed to provide young participants with a unique opportunity to connect with peers, explore new activities, and create lasting memories. Session Dates: June 24- July 18, 2024 (closed July 1-5) Drop-off: 9:30…
The Role of Technology in Anxiety Among Kids
- Online Webinar/Training, Support Group, or Meeting MN, United StatesTechnology plays an important role in all our lives and children are increasingly more digitally literate than their parents. While technology—and social media in particular—can bring people together, it also presents risks. These risks include but are not limited to bullying, doxxing, and social isolation. Dr. Abigail Gewirtz’s interactive presentation will focus on the relationship…
Parents of Adopted Adults Support Group
- Online Webinar/Training, Support Group, or Meeting MN, United StatesA 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.…
Caregivers Parenting Circle
Caregivers Parenting Group is a group that brings together individuals and families caring for children through kinship or foster care placement. Borrowing from the teachings of "Gifts Of the Sacred Circle" and "Gete-Aniahinabe Miikana" (The Old One's Road). We will embrace the traditions of preserving family and cultural ties and supporting caregivers. The group started…