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MFIP Teen Parent Project: Creating change

The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) Policy and Performance Team at the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is launching the MFIP Teen Parent Project. The program has partnered with MAYA Consulting to help engage teen parents and strengthen how MFIP supports them. The goal is to ensure the voices and experiences of teen parents are centered in how MFIP services are shaped moving forward.

This project will: 

  • Host two in-person community engagement events with teen parents currently participating in MFIP.
  • Use insights from these events to help build a framework for better services.
  • Share learnings back with participants in follow-up sessions, known as "loop back" meetings, to confirm we captured their input accurately.

Project details

Engagement and Loop Back Sessions

24 teen parents enrolled in MFIP will be invited to participate in a two-part experience:

  • Engagement Sessions: One in-person session (6 hours)
  • Loop Back Sessions: One in-person follow-up (90 minutes) held about two months later.

Details:

  • Sessions will be held in two locations, Twin Cities Metro and Greater Minnesota
  • Childcare will be provided
  • Participants will be compensated for their time and insights
  • Compensation will not affect MFIP benefits
  • Event dates will be announced soon.

Community Design Advisors

Two teen parents are being recruited and onboarded as Community Design Advisors to help design and plan the engagement sessions.

  • Advisors will attend weekly one-hour planning meetings (about 60 hours total)
  • Advisors will be compensated for their time and expertise
  • Compensation will not affect MFIP benefits

Cross Pollination, Innovation and Reflection Group

A new group is forming for professionals who support teen parents. This space will allow members to:

  • Share learnings and reflections from the MFIP Teen Parent Project
  • Connect across policy and program areas
  • Collaborate on improving programs and services that support youth and families.

First Meeting:

All interested staff, including state, county, tribal and community partners are welcome to join.

More information

For more information or to express interest in any part of the project, email: Johanna.rasmussen@state.mn.us