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New Intergovernmental Advisory Committee: Strengthening Partnerships for Children, Youth, and Families
When Minnesota created the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, county and Tribal partners voiced a clear need for stronger, more formal collaboration with the new department. Local and Tribal governments are often the ones directly connecting with families every day, and their insight is essential to designing effective programs and services.
To strengthen this collaboration, the Intergovernmental Advisory Committee was established. The committee provides a structured framework for Tribal Nations, counties, and DCYF to collaborate, share perspectives, and enhance the planning, funding, and delivery of services for children, youth, and families across Minnesota.
Commissioner Tarryl Clark of the Association of Minnesota Counties described the importance of this partnership.
“This new council is needed to work through challenges and create opportunities,” Clark said. “It reinforces our mutual reliance and system interconnectedness.”
The IAC brings together elected officials and human services leaders appointed by the Association of Minnesota Counties and the Minnesota Association of County Social Services Administrators, along with leaders from participating Tribal Nations, including the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, and White Earth Nation.
Grand Portage Programs Administrator Anna Deschampe emphasized the importance of shared leadership.
“Grand Portage is looking forward to working with the State and counties in the best interest of our members and Nation as we advise the DCYF Commissioner on how services can best meet the needs of children and families,” Deschampe said. “It’s important that the voices of sovereign governments are included in all aspects of policy development and service delivery.”
The committee held its first meeting on Nov. 6, bringing together 37 leaders from across the state to begin shaping how this partnership will strengthen Minnesota’s systems of support for families.
DCYF Commissioner Tikki Brown highlighted what this collaboration makes possible.
“Better outcomes for children and families start with strong partnerships,” Brown said. “The Intergovernmental Advisory Committee brings DCYF, Tribal Nations, and counties together to make sure our collective efforts have the biggest impact.”
By bringing diverse leaders together, the IAC helps ensure that the systems serving Minnesota’s children and families are coordinated, informed by experience, and focused on results that matter.