Community Engagement

The African American Child and Family Well-Being Unit is committed to eliminating disparities and disproportionalities experienced by African American and African heritage children and families in Minnesota's child welfare system. A cornerstone of this work is authentic, consistent community engagement. The Unit has centered the voices, experiences, and expertise of Black communities in shaping policies, programs, and practices that impact their lives.

Through listening sessions, focus groups, community forums, and collaboration with African American-led organizations, the Unit has developed a deep understanding of the systemic barriers that contribute to family separation, over-surveillance, and a lack of culturally responsive services. These engagements have informed the development and implementation of the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act.

This ongoing partnership with the community continues to guide the Unit's strategies, ensuring that child welfare reforms are rooted in racial equity, cultural healing, and the belief that families thrive best when they are supported—not separated. The Unit remains accountable to the community and is committed to building a child welfare system where African American children and families are respected, valued, and able to thrive.

If you are a community service provider, advocacy group, or other community-based organization working with African American populations at risk of involvement or involved in the child welfare system, and you would like to know more about the unit's work, or which welfare practice and policy, which may include a presentation to your organization's staff, please contact us at dcyf.aacwb@state.mn.us for more information and discussions.

Unit Engagement HQ Site

The African American Child and Family Well-Being (AACFWB) Unit also maintains an Engagement HQ site to support ongoing communication, collaboration, and public engagement with community members, stakeholders, counties, tribal partners, service providers, and other interested parties. The Engagement HQ site serves as a direct public interface that provides real-time updates regarding DCYF initiatives, unit projects, community engagement activities, policy updates, practice guidance, and other child welfare-related work connected to the implementation of the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act (MAAFPACWDA).

In addition to sharing information, the Engagement HQ site allows the AACFWB Unit to receive feedback, input, recommendations, and other information directly from the public and community partners. Information gathered through the site is used to help inform the development of interventions, strategies, policy considerations, and practice improvements intended to strengthen child welfare outcomes for African American children and families. The site also supports the unit’s efforts to identify emerging trends, community concerns, service gaps, and opportunities for continuous improvement, helping maintain successful, culturally responsive, and family-centered child welfare practices across Minnesota.

Unit engagement HQ page.