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August 27, 2026
Recording Notes: This webinar will be recorded added to FAM's DCYF Permanency Trainings page for child welfare professionals
Audience: Professionals
Level: Beginner
Ages addressed: 18 and under
DCYF Permanency Coffee Talk: Sibling Connection and Permanency is a casual, information-packed, professional development designed to help child welfare workers navigate the critical role sibling bonds play in long-term placement stability and emotional well-being. This session focuses on the practical and legal frameworks required to preserve and cultivate these vital relationships throughout the permanency process. The Foster Care Sibling Bill of Rights will be reviewed and discussed in further detail as well as the legal requirements for a sibling separation for permanency or adoption.
Nicole Lanz, MSW, LGSW obtained a BSW from Winona State University in 2014 and a MSW from Winona State University in 2024. Nicole holds a LGSW license through the Minnesota Board of Social Work. Nicole was a Title IV-E scholar through her graduate program with a focus on child welfare. Nicole currently works for DCYF in the Child Safety & Permanency administration as a Permanency Quality Assurance Consultant. Prior to coming to DCYF, Nicole worked for a county agency in child welfare, child protection, permanency, licensing, and ICPC.
Kim Lemcke has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (Law, Criminology, and Deviance) and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. She has 29 years of experience working in the child welfare system. She worked for 3 years at a children’s residential treatment facility as a youth worker. Kim was a county child protection worker for 13 years before coming to the state. She is the Independent Living Coordinator for the Foster Youth Transition Services unit, Child Safety and Permanency division, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, & Families. Kim coordinates the STAY program, the National Youth in Transition Database, MN Youth Leadership Council, and the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT) Youth Leadership Conference. She has been in this position since September 2013.
https://education.fosteradoptmn.org/v2/?c=event&id=2503#bio