Center for the advancement
of the Black Family
Community Caring for its Children
The Community Caring for its Children program works to place African American children in the homes of family or fictive kin the event of child’s forced removal resulting from parental allegations of neglect. Each family situation is assessed and provided resources as needed, such as family group sessions.
Our services have created a network of care that includes nurturing a sense of belonging, support and empowering families to thrive as a family unit. By providing information, families are empowered, families are able to make well-informed decisions and safety plans for the well-being of their loved ones. We’re assisting families by equipping them with the tools they need to navigate challenges and overcome obstacles. We prioritize the importance of creating a nonjudgmental space where families can find solace, guidance, and encouragement.
This program’s follow-up is the thread that weaves the tapestry for long-lasting and impactful relationships throughout the communities. We know that consistent and ongoing support is vital for a family’s well-being. We’re building trust, offering accountability, and ensuring that families have continued access to the resources and support they need.
We help cultivate family stability by:
- Address Child Neglect
- Assist families w/legal options
- Advance parental/guardian rights
- Family support resources
We are here to be a support you every step of the way.
Community Caring for its Children
The Community Caring for its Children program works to place African American children in the homes of family or fictive kin the event of child’s forced removal resulting from parental allegations of neglect. Each family situation is assessed and provided resources as needed, such as family group sessions.
Our services have created a network of care that includes nurturing a sense of belonging, support and empowering families to thrive as a family unit. By providing information, families are empowered, families are able to make well-informed decisions and safety plans for the well-being of their loved ones. We’re assisting families by equipping them with the tools they need to navigate challenges and overcome obstacles. We prioritize the importance of creating a nonjudgmental space where families can find solace, guidance, and encouragement.
This program’s follow-up is the thread that weaves the tapestry for long-lasting and impactful relationships throughout the communities. We know that consistent and ongoing support is vital for a family’s well-being. We’re building trust, offering accountability, and ensuring that families have continued access to the resources and support they need.
We help cultivate family stability by:
- Address Child Neglect
- Assist families w/legal options
- Advance parental/guardian rights
- Family support resources
We are here to be a support you every step of the way.
Keeping Families Connected. Strengthening Caregiver. Supporting Children.
The Kinship Navigator program is designed to support relatives and trusted adults who are caring for children when parents are unable to do so temporarily or permanently. We believe children thrive when they remain connected to family, culture, community, and the people who know and love them best.
What is Kinship Care?
Kinship care occurs when a child is cared for by a relative, family friend, godparent, neighbor, teacher, coach, or another trusted adult who has a significant relationship with the child. These caregivers often step forward during times of family crisis, providing safety, stability, love and support while helping children maintain important family and cultural connections.
Who Is the Program For?
Kinship care occurs when a child is cared for by a relative, family friend, godparent, neighbor, teacher, coach, or another trusted adult who has a significant relationship with the child. These caregivers often step forward during times of family crisis, providing safety, stability, love and support while helping children maintain important family and cultural connections.
- Grandparents raising grandchildren
- Aunts, uncles, and other relatives caring for children
- Family friends and fictive kin caregivers
- Individuals caring for children through a Delegation of Parental Authority (DOPA)
- Caregivers involved in child welfare, foster care, or family preservation services
- Families seeking resources to help stabilize and strengthen their caregiving situation
How We Help
Our Kinship Navigators provide guidance, advocacy, and resource connections to help caregivers successfully care for children. Services may include:
- Resource navigation and referrals
- Assistance accessing community supports
- Educational advocacy and school support
- Information about legal and caregiving options
- Family Group Conferencing support
- Connections to food, clothing, housing, and basic needs resources
- Caregiver support and encouragement
- Child welfare system navigation
- Family preservation and stabilization services
These services are also funded in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Urban League Twin Cities/Community Caring for its Children Kinship Navigator program participants will not be denied due to inability to pay. Your privacy and confidentiality with any of our services is protected.
Becoming a Licensed Foster Parent
Urban League Twin Cities’ Foster Care Licensing Program practices cultural humility by listening to and learning from children, families, and caregivers. We honor their cultural identities, lived experiences, family traditions, and community connections. Our community needs foster homes that affirm and reflect every child’s unique identity, including their racial, cultural, and LGBTQ+ identities.
FACTS!!!
There are 957 children in the foster care system
By Age:
- 44% are 0-5 years old
- 27% are 6-12 years old
- 30% are 13-20 years old
By Race:
- 36% African American
- 28% Multiracial
- 20% American Indian/Alaska Native
- 15% Caucasian
- 10% Hispanic
- 1% Asian
What is a foster family? When kids can’t live with someone they already know, they are matched with a licensed foster care provider.
You:
- Can provide kids with care and stability during your time together
- Want to support kids’ relationships with their birth families
- Are 21 or older, and financially, emotionally and physically stable
- Are two years sober if you’ve had drug or alcohol issues in the past
- Agree to a background check
Your Family:
- May be just you, or you and a partner or spouse
- May include your own kids and extended family
- Supports your decision to foster
- Is both stable and open to change
Your Home:
- Is located in Hennepin County
- Has an extra bedroom
- Is near reliable transportation, by car or public transit
- Can be rented or owned
How to get started:
- The first step is to attend an information/orientation meeting.
- You will learn more about the foster care licensing process and requirements.
- You will hear more about the children in need of foster homes and the process.
Information meetings are for families wanting to foster children not related to them. If you are interested in fostering a child you already know, please call 612-302-3165
The licensing process:
- When you attend an information meeting, you will obtain materials you need to begin the child foster care licensing process.
- The process typically takes three to six months. It includes required paperwork, background check, training and home study. A social worker will help you through the process.
- Once all licensing requirements are met, the county has 120 days to make a recommendation on your application.
Meeting Dates: To Be Determined. Will be posted as soon as confirmed.
To Express Interest or Register for More Information:
Email: djones@ultcmn.org
- Include the first and last name of all adult attendees.
- Include the date of the meeting you want to attend (TBA)
- After you register, we’ll send you more information and our meeting dates/times
Contact Us
If you are currently caring for a relative’s child, a family friend’s child, or are considering becoming a kinship caregiver, or foster parent, we are here to help.
For more information, please contact:
Shaquira Carpenter
Social Worker
O: 612.302.3165
E: scarpenter@ultcmn.org
Jonie Cannon
Director, Center for the Advancement of the Black Family (CABF)
O: 612.302.3156
E: jcannon@ultcmn.org
Foster Kinship
Keeping Families Connected. Strengthening Caregiver. Supporting Children.
The Kinship Navigator program is designed to support relatives and trusted adults who are caring for children when parents are unable to do so temporarily or permanently. We believe children thrive when they remain connected to family, culture, community, and the people who know and love them best.
What is Kinship Care?
Kinship care occurs when a child is cared for by a relative, family friend, godparent, neighbor, teacher, coach, or another trusted adult who has a significant relationship with the child. These caregivers often step forward during times of family crisis, providing safety, stability, love and support while helping children maintain important family and cultural connections.
Who Is the Program For?
Kinship care occurs when a child is cared for by a relative, family friend, godparent, neighbor, teacher, coach, or another trusted adult who has a significant relationship with the child. These caregivers often step forward during times of family crisis, providing safety, stability, love and support while helping children maintain important family and cultural connections.
- Grandparents raising grandchildren
- Aunts, uncles, and other relatives caring for children
- Family friends and fictive kin caregivers
- Individuals caring for children through a Delegation of Parental Authority (DOPA)
- Caregivers involved in child welfare, foster care, or family preservation services
- Families seeking resources to help stabilize and strengthen their caregiving situation
How We Help
Our Kinship Navigators provide guidance, advocacy, and resource connections to help caregivers successfully care for children. Services may include:
- Resource navigation and referrals
- Assistance accessing community supports
- Educational advocacy and school support
- Information about legal and caregiving options
- Family Group Conferencing support
- Connections to food, clothing, housing, and basic needs resources
- Caregiver support and encouragement
- Child welfare system navigation
- Family preservation and stabilization services
These services are also funded in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Urban League Twin Cities/Community Caring for its Children Kinship Navigator program participants will not be denied due to inability to pay. Your privacy and confidentiality with any of our services is protected.
Contact Us
If you are currently caring for a relative’s child, a family friend’s child, or are considering becoming a kinship caregiver, we are here to help.
For more information about the Kinship Navigator program, please contact:
Shaquira Carpenter
Social Worker
O: 612.302.3165
E: scarpenter@ultcmn.org
Jonie Cannon
Director, Center for the Advancement of the Black Family (CABF)
O: 612.302.3156
E: jcannon@ultcmn.org
Center for the advancement of the Black Family
Every American deserves to live in safe, decent, affordable and energy efficient housing on fair terms. Urban League Twin Cities advocates on behalf of marginalized Minnesota's to reduce housing instability.