NOTE: Represents foster children only; does NOT work with custody issues Provides direct legal representation for children and youth ages 10 -21 who are abused or neglected in the foster care system. Staff and volunteers are court-appointed by Hennepin and Ramsey counties who enter children protection in Ramsey County or who are state wards in Hennepin County, as well as other appointments from other counties upon request. Other services provided: - CLC engages in systemic reform benefiting all of Minnesota's foster children. These projects include advocating for policy and legislation regarding children's rights, participating in collaborative working groups focused on children's issues, writing amicus briefs to state and federal appellate courts, serving on statewide and nationwide committees and task forces that address children' issues. - CLC recruits and trains volunteer attorneys to represent foster children in child protection and state wards proceedings and provides ongoing consultation to the attorney - CLC staff works in partnership with a volunteer attorney to provide advocacy for children in foster care in court and legal proceedings. CLC's volunteer attorneys advocate for foster children by ensuring they understand what is happening to them, informing them of their options, and empowering them to have a voice in the decisions that are made about their lives. - The range of issues includes court reviews, appropriate placement, permanency planning, transition to adulthood, sibling contacts, and access to critical services including health care, education and financial benefits

Serves youth who have a history of foster care or out of home placement. Provides services that help youth become self-sufficient. Services include: - Case management - Employment assistance - Financial literacy - Housing assistance

A service that prepares youth for independence. Provides guidance and support to youth ages 16-22 who have been in out-of-home placement (i.e., foster care, group homes, juvenile justice placements, or change of custody) and are preparing to find their living situation.

Helps youth who need support to thrive in the community. Services included: - Bus cards to get around - Case management - Clothing items - Financial counseling classes include bank accounts, budgeting, credit counseling, and savings - Food Resources - Hygiene products - One on one individual mentoring and goal planning - School needs such as school supplies and advocating on for children at school - Shoes - Young teen pregnancy (resources to help adolescents who dropped out of school go back and get their High School diploma or GED)

Plans quarterly projects to raise awareness of issues in the foster care system and advocates for youth currently in care. Purpose is to be a voice for former foster youth, promote and educate about the foster care system, and work for positive change. Focuses on: - Advocacy: Youth meet with legislators, judges, attorneys and social workers to address needs and wants of youth in care - Collaboration: Youth meet with other Youth Leadership Councils from around the state to discuss and plan ways to make a change in systems and provide greater community awareness - Community Development: Youth plan community events to celebrate foster youth and raise awareness of the foster care system and what life is like as a youth in care - Leadership: Youth meet weekly to dscuss and plan projects and upcoming events related to foster care awareness and advocacy

The Office of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson handles complaints from anyone, prioritizing concerns about young people's rights, care, safety, and placement in Minnesota foster care, including youth in Extended Foster Care and those who have recently aged out of care. Services may include: - Communicate what happens after a complaint is submitted - Consider all sides of a question in an impartial way - Follow requirements for confidentiality and data privacy - Help to answer questions about rights in foster care - Investigate complaints in a fair and neutral manner - Listen to people in foster care about concerns and complaints - Make recommendations to agencies and workers - Provide information and resources - Write reports to the governor, legislature, and the public

A statewide group of current and former foster youth ages 14-23. Focuses on advocacy, changing the system and laws currently in place that affect children and youth in care and their families. Other areas of focus include: - Advocacy: youth meet with legislators, judges, attorneys, and social workers to address the needs and wants of youth in care. - Leadership: youth meet bi-weekly to discuss and plan projects and upcoming events related to foster care awareness and advocacy. - Collaboration: youth meet with other Youth Leadership Councils from around the state to discuss and plan ways to make a change in systems and provide greater community awareness. - Community development: youth plan and participate in community events to celebrate foster youth and raise awareness of the foster care system and what life is like as a youth in care. Youth attend community events where they can share what their local Youth Leadership Council is involved in and learn about other organizations within their community.