Minnesota Ombudsperson

About this resource

The Office of Ombudsperson for Foster Youth was created to support youth in foster care and make sure their rights are protected. If you're a foster youth in Minnesota—or if you’re worried about the care, safety, or services a foster youth is receiving—this office is here to help.

The office is neutral and independent, meaning they don’t take sides. Their job is to listen to concerns, help solve problems, and explain the rights of kids and teens in foster care. They work with foster youth, social workers, families, and others to fix issues and even suggest ways to improve the foster care system overall.

This office was made possible thanks to the voices of current and former foster youth who spoke up and advocated for change. It officially opened in May 2024, and it's the first of its kind in Minnesota.

Important to know:

• Foster youth are the top priority.

• The office doesn’t provide legal advice or act as a lawyer.

• Their help is free.

• They step in when other ways of solving a problem haven’t worked.

If you're in foster care and something doesn’t feel right, or if you need help understanding your rights, you can reach out to them anytime.