Foster Advocates

Foster Advocates Foster Advocates is not just our name. It’s what we do. https://linktr.ee/fosteradvocates

We foster advocacy, policy change, and organizing by partnering with communities impacted by Minnesota’s child welfare system.

The clock is ticking. Fall 2026 paid leadership opportunities close Monday, August 24 at 11:59 PM.Three ways to lead thi...
08/21/2026

The clock is ticking. Fall 2026 paid leadership opportunities close Monday, August 24 at 11:59 PM.

Three ways to lead this fall, all paid at $25/hour:
★ 2026 to 27 College Committee, shaping how Fosters get to and through college
★ 2026 Fostering College Connections Summit Advisory Workgroup, helping build the statewide Fall Summit
★ 2026 to 27 Psychotropic Drug Research Council, guiding research on a system that has touched far too many of us

If you're a Minnesota Foster with opinions about how these systems should work, that is enough. You don't have to feel one hundred percent ready. Curiosity, lived experience, and honest capacity are enough.

Know a Foster who should see this? Tag them, DM them, forward this. A lot of our strongest leaders got here because one person thought to pass along a post.

Apply at the link in bio. Questions: [email protected].

Fall 2026 Back to College Update: We passed the law. Then we made sure it didn't run out of money. Minnesota just put $2...
08/21/2026

Fall 2026 Back to College Update: We passed the law. Then we made sure it didn't run out of money.

Minnesota just put $2.07 million back into the Fostering Independence Grant, the program that pays for college for Minnesota Fosters. Signed into law May 27, 2026.

Here's what that means:
✔ $570K to clear the summer 2026 waitlist
✔ $1.5M for the 2026 to 2027 school year
✔ Every eligible student covered

FIG covers your recognized cost of attendance after other aid. Housing, food, books, and transportation, not just tuition. If you were in Minnesota foster care at any point at age 13 or older, you can qualify (under 27, no bachelor's yet).

How to get it: file your FAFSA the day it opens, October 1, and check the foster care box. That's how OHE finds you.

Know a Foster, a caregiver, a counselor, or an advisor who needs this? Tag them or share this post. Swipe the carousel for the FAQ.

Questions? Email us at [email protected].

Fall 2026 Back to School Update: Fosters now have priority for before and after school programs in Minnesota. HF3714 and...
08/18/2026

Fall 2026 Back to School Update: Fosters now have priority for before and after school programs in Minnesota. HF3714 and SF4879 passed inside SF4612 and were signed into law in May.

What it means: a Foster is not stuck at the bottom of a waitlist, caregivers get reliable coverage around the school day, and kids stay connected to tutoring, sports, and friends.

Caregivers, here is what to do. Call your school district community education office, say the child is in foster care and state law gives them priority for enrollment, and ask the social worker or placing agency for a letter confirming it. If you are told no, ask for the reason in writing and reach out to us.

Swipe through for the full breakdown, including answers to common questions like whether this covers kinship care.

Thank you to our Village for the support and for seeing this bill through. One small step. Fosters still lose too much when families are separated, and more with every placement change.

Paid leadership. Real decisions. Applications close Monday, August 24 at 11:59 PM.Three Fall 2026 leadership opportuniti...
08/14/2026

Paid leadership. Real decisions. Applications close Monday, August 24 at 11:59 PM.

Three Fall 2026 leadership opportunities are open to Minnesota Fosters, all paid at $25/hour:

🏫 The 2026-2027 College Committee, shaping how Minnesota colleges show up for Foster students.

🗓️ The 2026 Fostering College Connections Summit Advisory Workgroup, helping design our first statewide Summit this October.

🔬 The 2026-2027 Psychotropic Drug Research Council, guiding our research partnership with the University of Minnesota on how psychotropic medications get prescribed to Fosters and what that is actually like. You do not have to feel one hundred percent ready. Curiosity, lived experience, ideas, and honest capacity are enough. No research experience needed for the Research Council. We will train you.

Know a Foster who has opinions about how these systems should work? Send this to them. A lot of our strongest leaders got here because one person thought to pass something along.

Apply by Monday, August 24 at the link in our bio https://linktr.ee/fosteradvocates

Got FAQs about Summer Celebration 2026? We’ve got answers. Swipe through to find out everything you need to know before ...
07/22/2026

Got FAQs about Summer Celebration 2026? We’ve got answers. Swipe through to find out everything you need to know before Saturday, July 25 in Duluth.

Here’s what we’re covering: whether we’re staying overnight (nope, it’s a day trip), how to help other Fosters with transportation through the Foster to Foster Portal, where the bus picks up (our EquaSpace office, arrive by 11 a.m.), what happens with wildfire smoke and accessibility needs, what to pack for the bus (water, car seats, meds, layers, snacks), what to bring for the park (a change of clothes for water play, chairs or blankets, plus sunscreen and bug spray on-site), whether the bus makes stops (yes, one each way), what the pre-bus mixer is about (light refreshments and connection time starting at 11 a.m.), whether the bus waits for latecomers (no, arrive by 11:30 a.m.), whether there’s lunch on the bus (snacks only, with a real meal waiting in Duluth), if you need car seats (yes), the allergies to know about (nuts and latex), who’s invited (everyone in our village, no lived experience required), and who to contact with more questions ([email protected]).
Still have questions? We’re here for you. RSVP at sc2026.eventbrite.com

5 days until Summer Celebration! 🌞 We asked our 2026 Planning Committee (4 Foster Leaders from Greater MN and 2 from the...
07/21/2026

5 days until Summer Celebration! 🌞 We asked our 2026 Planning Committee (4 Foster Leaders from Greater MN and 2 from the Twin Cities) what they're most looking forward to this Saturday in Duluth. Their answers? Community, connection, and a new age of Fosters showing up for each other. Swipe through 👉 and grab your free ticket at sc2026.eventbrite.com. Food, games, music, childcare, and nature await at Lester Park. See you there! 🎉

Foster Advocates 2026 Summer Celebration. Duluth, MN. July 25. Do not wait. RSVP now: sc2026.eventbrite.comCoach bus fro...
07/02/2026

Foster Advocates 2026 Summer Celebration. Duluth, MN. July 25. Do not wait. RSVP now: sc2026.eventbrite.com

Coach bus from the Twin Cities for Foster Leaders, with limited seats available. Limited Greater Minnesota travel support available while supplies last.

Happy Disability Pride Month from Foster Advocates.More than 1 in 3 Fosters have a diagnosed disability while in care. F...
07/01/2026

Happy Disability Pride Month from Foster Advocates.

More than 1 in 3 Fosters have a diagnosed disability while in care. Fosters are 2.7 times more likely than their peers to receive special education services. And yet, Fosters with disabilities remain among the least supported in a system that was meant to protect them.

The Minnesota Promise Report, written by and for Fosters, holds their bold ideas for a better system. From a Foster Health Care Passport to informed consent around medications, Fosters know what they need. It is time the system listened.

Swipe through and join the Foster Movement.

fosteradvocates.org/mnpromise

Tomorrow (Tuesday, June 30)! Foster Advocates is joining an incredible group of leaders for Prevention is Powerful: 2026...
06/29/2026

Tomorrow (Tuesday, June 30)! Foster Advocates is joining an incredible group of leaders for Prevention is Powerful: 2026 Legislative Discussion, hosted by The Residency.

RSVP here: bit.ly/PIP2026Leg

Join us for a facilitated conversation on what the 2026 legislative session means for families, children, and communities across Minnesota.

Tuesday, June 30 | 12 PM CST | Virtual

Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless People Serving People State Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura Minnesota Child Care Association

RSVP here: bit.ly/PIP2026Leg

Foster Advocates is hiring an Advocacy and Engagement Program Coordinator [Coalition Convener for Minnesota Promise Rela...
06/29/2026

Foster Advocates is hiring an Advocacy and Engagement Program Coordinator [Coalition Convener for Minnesota Promise Related Initiatives], a full-time role at the center of our movement. This role is a strong fit for someone with experience in coalition or partnership work, policy and legislative advocacy, community engagement, or nonprofit development, and who brings a commitment to centering Foster lived experience in systems change.

Half of this role is dedicated to serving as a Coalition Convener for Minnesota Promise Related Initiatives, holding the relationships and shared strategy that move our priorities forward with partners across the field. You'll also coordinate our advocacy and community engagement programs and support our development work.

📧 Questions? [email protected]
🔗 Apply → fosteradvocates.org/join-our-team

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2550 University Avenue W 200N
Saint Paul, MN
55114

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