We Focus on Older Youth
We are Minnesota’s only nonprofit agency focused solely on meeting the permanency needs of older youth (age 10 years and older) and sibling groups in the child welfare system. In our efforts to keep youth connected to their family, kin, community and culture, we may work with families seeking to be a resource for a relative child under the age of 10. We are a resource for youth, families and professionals seeking to promote permanent relationships between teens who have experienced trauma and committed adults who will help them heal. One of five private agencies under contract with Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide adoption services to youth under guardianship of the Commissioner or a Minnesota tribe (often referred to as “state wards”), Ampersand Families provides permanency services at no cost to counties or families planning to adopt a Minnesota youth.
We are Leaders in The Field
Ampersand Families provides leadership in Minnesota and nationally to champion policies and practices that expand family and youth participation, community engagement, child welfare systems change and innovative practices in the field of adolescent permanency.
We provide Comprehensive Permanency Services
For Families
Just as we expect families to make an unconditional commitment to the youth they adopt, Ampersand Families makes an unconditional commitment to support parents and youth in building and sustaining their new family — in moments of joy and of heartbreak. We provide all services required for a family to adopt a child under guardianship of the Commissioner of Human Services in Minnesota, at no cost to families:
- Individual orientation.
- Pre-adoption training .
- Home study.
- Matching and transition planning.
- Proactive, non-time-limited post-placement support.
- Resources to assist with birth family contact or involvement.
- Ongoing training for adoptive and buddy families.
For Youth
- Permanency reviews.
- Adolescent-competent preparation and support for permanency.
- Child-specific recruitment and placement services that emphasize youth participation in the process.
- Life-book development to engage youth in their own permanency efforts.
- Support for kin and birth family search as part of permanency planning.
For as Long as they Need it
All families need support. And families who have adopted a young person from the child welfare system can feel especially alone after finalization. For as long as you want and need support following adoption, Ampersand Families is there.
Our post-finalization services are funded in part by private support of individuals, foundations and other organizations. Your donation today, will help our families maintain their unconditional commitment to permanency for their adopted teen.
In addition to serving youth and families directly, we offer:
We Reach Out to the Community
Explore our site to learn more about:
- Our name, our history, and our values — what’s that “&” about, anyway?
- Who’s on our staff and our board.
- All the ways you can help — right now.
- What your donation will mean for teens awaiting adoption.
- Our annual reports and financials.
- Our latest blog posts.
After you’re done exploring, contact us and let us know how you’d like to help.
