–
August 18, 2026
Audience: Professionals
Building/Address: Mower County Government Center/Law Enforcement Center
201 1st St. NE, Austin, MN 55912
Room: Vault Room (Doors 1, 2 and 3 are open to the public after 8am. Upon entering door 1, take a left through the double doors then a right and go straight past veterans' services. If going through door 2 go straight down the hall past veterans' services. If coming through door 3 come up and through the doors and take a left.)
Parking: You can park in Employee Lot just east of the building and receive parking passes upon signing into the training. There is street parking but is mainly 2 hours.
Nursing room: Located upstairs in the same building as the training, please let us know if access is needed.
Schedule:
Morning:
Social and Medical History - Presentation to discuss the purpose and importance of the document while introducing any new information available. Documents that are requirement for a child that has been in out of home care for 6 months and/or at the time that an agency has started permanency proceedings. The topic is relevant to all agency staff that works with children in out of home care. Presentation is strongly focused on the responsibilities of the agency and the preservation of the child's story.
Northstar Adoption Assistance - This training will provide a review of policies and procedures related to establishing eligibility for Northstar Adoption Assistance and legally finalizing an adoption. It will include a general overview from start to finish of the Northstar Adoption Assistance program. There will also be some review of relevant SSIS documentation and also tips and tricks to use in order to help achieve timely permanency for children in out-of-home placement.
Afternoon:
State Adoption Exchange - Session will include a review of the State Adoption Exchange (SAE) requirements and timelines. This training will provide a general overview from start to finish of the State Adoption Exchange registrations process, requirements in SSIS, the role of Foster Adopt Minnesota and the web-based application. We will review/discuss the State Adoption Exchange process including completing the SSIS SAE Registration Verification, creating narratives and tips and tricks to use to streamline the process.
Post Adoption Search Request - Session will describe the difference between birth records and adoption records. It will include a brief overview of DCYF and Foster Adopt Minnesota role in search and connection process. This session also will examine current requirements and best practice of child placing agencies. It will explore the impact of the 2024 birth record law change that went into effect July 1, 2024. Topics will include change to Birth Record access effective July 1, 2024; contact preference form, requirement of placing agencies to inform adoption record searchers of the change; and changes to adoption record access.
Permanency Support Unit Contract Services - The Minnesota Department of Children Youth and Families contracts with non-profit organizations, counties, Tribes and private child-placing agencies for supportive services for children, youth and families in Minnesota. The contract services are available at no cost via grant funding and include, but are not limited to: adoption services, assessments, education, recruitment, supportive services, relative search and post-adoption services. Learn more about contract services and how these partnerships maximize strengths and resources to ensure children, youth and families receive the support they need.