Youth and Family Voices

Child welfare professionals can be a champion for youth and help them dream big about what they want for their lives by listening to and learning from them. The stories on this page provide an opportunity to hear directly from youth and adoptive families about the importance of listening to youth voices and the impact of building a relationship based on mutual trust can have on a young person’s life.

Use these stories as you discuss permanency planning with youth. Sometimes it is more impactful for youth to learn about permanency from those who have navigated the path.

Stay connected with the latest news and events

SubscribeEnter your email to manage your subscription

Narratives

View stories from youth and adoptive families about the importance of listening to youth voices. Adoption professionals can use these stories when discussing permanency planning with youth. 

  • Parents Adopted

    Discover real stories of Minnesota families who have adopted a teen from foster care and the fulfillment it has brought them.

    Watch their story

  • Youth Voices in Adoption From Foster Care

    Listen to stories from young people with lived experience in adoption from foster care and learn about the importance of youth voice in adoption.

    Watch their story

  • Angela's Story

    Hear about one woman’s decision to become a full-time kin caregiver for her niece and her niece’s daughter and how home visits helped smooth the transition.

    Watch Angela's Story

  • Jen's Story

    Hear one family’s story of becoming a kinship resource and describes how support from their foster care specialist guided their decision and helped them along the way.

     

    Watch Jen's Story

  • Melissa's Story

    Hear the story of an adoptive parent and her sons and learn about the need for connections, educational supports, and postadoption services to help adoptive families.

     

    Watch Melissa's Story

  • You Don’t Have To Be Special…You Just Need To Be Willing

    Read about one family that adopted five siblings and learn about the challenges, growth, heartbreak, and rewards they have experienced throughout their adoption journey.

    Read their story

  • Growing Together: How a Family of Five Adopted a Teen They Knew

    Learn how one family fostered a family friend and blended her family traditions into their own while maintaining connections with her family of origin.

    Read their story