Learning to Tell Your Story

JULY 2025 - Online Series

MYVoice welcomes author and transracial adoptee Shannon Gibney for a series of online workshops. Join for any and all of these Zoom sessions to learn from Shannon and each other! This and all MYVoice programs are open to Minnesota young people ages 12-22 who have lived experience in foster care and/or adoption. $10 stipend paid per workshop attended.

Wednesday, July 2, 1:45-3:15pm: It’s My Life

Wednesday, July 9, 1:45-3:15pm: SO Awkward

Wednesday, July 16, 1:45-3:15pm: Owning it!

2025 Permanency & Child Welfare Fall Conference

October 14 & 15, 2025 | Radisson Blu Mall of America

As we confront the evolving challenges of permanency and child welfare, this dynamic two-day conference will unite child welfare professionals and advocates in a shared mission: to deepen their expertise and sharpen their strategies for addressing the diverse and often competing needs of children, youth, and families. Together, we’ll explore innovative solutions and forge stronger pathways to lasting stability and well-being. Please join the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare as we delve into the complexities of permanency and child welfare this October.

Additional conference information, available stipends and registration details coming soon!

Youth Voice Group

About the group: The Youth Voices participants range in age from 13-26 years old, are diverse in culture (BIPOC, LGBTQ+/Two-Spirit) and their fostering experience (relative, non-relative, adopted, aged-out and parenting youth). This group has identified their goal as making changes so the foster care system becomes a safer, healthier, and a more loving experience for youth and families. Our goal is to equip Fosters or youth currently in the foster care system with the support, leadership skills and the access to the right practice and policy platforms to make their identified changes a reality.