Adoptive Family Support Groups

**Every effort is made to assure accuracy in the listing of support groups and resources. Those wishing to attend support groups should contact the agency, county or sponsoring organizations before attending.
 
For specific Grandparent/Kinship Support Groups, click here.

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4Keeps is a family run, adoption support group based in Anoka County, Minnesota. It is a nonprofit organization that provides support, education, encouragement and friendship for families with adopted children, those in the process of adopting and those considering adoption. For more information, please contact Mary Walker (parent contact) or Nancy Le (agency contact) at 763-422-7104. This group will start meeting again around January. Check www.4keeps.org for upcoming events.

Adoption Support Network, provides support for adoptive parents, adoptees, parent support groups and kinship caregivers. For more information about the services and support groups available, please contact Ginny Blade, NACAC at 651-646-5082.

Adoption Support Network Adoptive Parent Support Groups – Minnesota, regional support specialists are experienced adoptive parents who can provide other adoptive parents with emotional support, information, resources, and referrals. They are there to help! To inquire about a support group in your area, please contact one of the Parent Support Specialists for more information. To view Minnesota area map, click here.
 

Twin Cities Metro
Nitara Frost , 612-570-1394 or nitarafrost@nacac.org
Alicia Griffin, 612-570-2000 or aliciagriffin@nacac.org

Rainbow Pride Adoptive Parent Support Group – Supported by ASN/NACAC When: Fourth Wednesday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Where: McRae Rec Center, 907 47th Street East, Minneapolis, MN 55407 For more information, please contact Nitara Frost , 612-570-1394 or nitarafrost@nacac.org

West Metro Lunch Group – Supported by ASN/NACAC When: Last Friday of each month from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm Where: Scoreboard Restaurant 5765 Sanibel Dr Hopkins/Minnetonka For more information, please contact Ginny Blade at 651-646-5082 or ginnyblade@nacac.org

Minneapolis Adoptive Parent Support Group – Supported by ASN/NACAC When: Second Tuesday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Where: Pearl Park & Rec Center, 414 Diamond Lake Road East, Minneapolis, MN 55419 For more information, please contact Nitara Frost , 612-570-1394 or nitarafrost@nacac.org

Hennepin County Adoption Option Support Group - Supported by ASN/NACAC When: Second Monday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Where: Love Works Academy, 2225 Zenith Ave N, Golden Valley 55422 For more information, please contact Alicia Griffin at 612-570-2000 or aliciagriffin@nacac.org

North Hennepin Adoptive Parents Support Group – Supported by ASN/NACAC When: Third Monday of each month from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm Where: Brookdale Library, 6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 For more information, please contact Alicia Griffin at 612-570-2000 or aliciagriffin@nacac.org

Parenting African American Children Adoptive Parent Support Group – Supported by ASN/NACAC When: Fourth Monday of each month from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm Where: NACAC Office Building, 970 Raymond Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55114 For more information, please contact Alicia Griffin at 612-570-2000 or aliciagriffin@nacac.org or Ginny Blade at 651-646-5082

Ramsey County Adoptive Parent & Kinship Caregiver Support Group – Supported by ASN/NACAC When: First Monday of each month from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm Where: NACAC, 970 Raymond Ave, St Paul. For more information parents can contact Nitara Frost , 612-570-1394 or nitarafrost@nacac.org or Mary Morrison at dancingmom66@gmail.com

Northern Minnesota
John Hays, 218-969-2116 or johnhays@nacac.org 39023 Scenic Hwy, Bovey, MN 55709

Hibbing/Virginia Area Adoptive Parent Support Group – Supported by ASN/NACAC When: Third Monday of each month from 5:30 pm 7:30 pm Where:2104 E 6th Ave, Hibbing, MN For more information, please contact John Hays at 218-969-2116 or johnhays@nacac.org

Grand Rapids Area Adoptive Parent Support Group – Supported by North Homes Children & Family Services When: Second Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm Where: North Homes, 1880 River Road, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 For more information, please contact John Hays at 218-969-2116 or johnhays@nacac.org

Northeast Minnesota
Marilyn Gow, 218-341-6525 or marilyngow@nacac.org 5128 Beaver Creek Road, Hermantown, MN 55811

ARC Hermantown Adoptive Parent Support Group – Supported by ASN/NACAC When: Fourth Tuesday of each month from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm Where: Hermantown Resource Center, 5028 Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown, MN 55811 For more information, please contact Marilyn Gow at 218-341-6525 or marilyngow@nacac.org

Parenting African American Children – Supported by ASN/NACAC When: First Monday of the Month from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm Where: UMD Black Student Association For more information, please contact Marilyn Gow at 218-341-6525 or marilyngow@nacac.org

East Central Minnesota
Deb Fjeld, 763-688-5748 or debfjeld@nacac.org

Andover Adoptive Parent Support Group – Supported by ASN/NACAC When: Third Thursday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Where: Andover YMCA Community Center, Room B, 15200 Hanson Blvd., Andover, MN 55304 For more information, please contact Deb Fjeld at 763-688-5748 or debfjeld@nacac.org

Cambridge Adoptive Parent Support Group – Supported by ASN/NACAC When: Second Friday of each month from 9:00 am to 11:00 am Where: The Creamery Cafe, Isanti, MN For more information, please contact Deb Fjeld at 763-688-5748 or debfjeld@nacac.org

Coon Rapids Adoptive Parent Support Group – Supported by ASN/NACAC When: First Wedneday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Where: Boston's Pizza, 12794 Riverdale Blvd., Coon Rapids, MN 55448 For more information, please contact Deb Fjeld at 763-688-5748 or debfjeld@nacac.org

Sherburne/Wright County Adoptive Parent Support Group – Supported by Sherburne & Wright County When: Second Tuesday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Where: Monticello Community Center, 505 Walnut Street, Monticello, MN 55362 *Kids group ages 10+ meet at the same time and place. For more information, please contact Deb Fjeld at 763-688-5748 or debfjeld@nacac.org

West Central Minnesota
Dawn Johnson, 320-760-0980 or dawnjohnson@nacac.org 1911 Parkview Road NE, Alexandria, MN 56308

Fergus Falls Adoptive Parent Support Group – Supported by ASN/NACAC When: 3/20 1:00pm, 3/29 6:30pm, 4/4 1:00pm, 4/5 6:30pm. Where: First Church of the Nazarene, 1319 N Cleveland, Fergus Falls, MN 56537 For more information, please contact Dawn Johnson at 320-760-0980 or dawnjohnson@nacac.org

Alexandria Adoptive Parent Support Group – Supported by ASN/NACAC When: 2nd Tuesday of the month from 6:00 - 7:30pm. Where:Douglas County Hospital, Lobby Meeting Room, 111 17th Ave For more information , please contact Dawn Johnson at 320-760-0980 or dawnjohnson@nacac.org

Southern Minnesota
Kari Fletcher, 507-380-4916 or karifletcher@nacac.org 416 North 5th Street, Mankato, MN 56001

Austin Area Adoptive Parent Support Group – Supported by ASN/NACAC Child care is available for member of this group. When: Second Monday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Where: St. Olaf Lutheran Church, 306 2nd Street NW, Austin, MN 55912 For more information, please contact Kari Fletcher at 507-380-4916 or karifletcher@nacac.org

Mankato Area Adoptive Parent Support Group – Supported by ASN/NACAC When: Second Tuesday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Where: 1124 North River Drive, North Mankato, MN 56003 For more information, please contact Kari Fletcher at 507-380-4916 or karifletcher@nacac.org

Marshall Area Adoptive Parent Support Group – Supported by ASN/NACAC When: First Thursday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Where: Wesley United Methodist Church, 202 North 4th Street, Marshall, MN 56258 For more information, please contact Kari Fletcher at 507-380-4916 or karifletcher@nacac.org

North Mankato Area Adoptive Parent Support Group – Supported by ASN/NACAC When: First Monday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Where: Nicollet County Social Services, 2070 Howard Drive, North Mankato, MN 56003 For more information, please contact Kari Fletcher at 507-380-4916 or karifletcher@nacac.org

Pipestone Area Adoptive Parent Support Group – Supported by ASN/NACAC When: Third Thursday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Where: The Law Enforcement Community Room, 416 South Hiawatha Avenue, Pipestone, MN 56164 For more information, please contact Kari Fletcher at 507-380-4916 or karifletcher@nacac.org

Red Wing Area Adoptive Parent Support Group – Supported by ASN/NACAC When: Fourth Tuesday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Where: St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 426 West 8th Street, Red Wing, MN 55066 For more information, please contact Kari Fletcher at 507-380-4916 or karifletcher@nacac.org or Heidi Linder at 651-388-0034 or hlinder@charter.net

Statewide Native American Community Mary Lyons, 612-570-2023 or toll free at 877-894-9893 or marylyons@nacac.org

Little Earth Area Adoptive Support Group – Supported by ASN/NACAC When: Every Wednesday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm Where: Little Earth, 2438 18th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN For more information, please contact Mary Lyons at 612-570-2023 or marylyons@nacac.org

The ARC – Networking & Family Access Groups, provides for parents and others who care of a person with disabilities. No cost to attend but membership is encouraged and registration is required. Groups include, Autism Groups (Coon Rapids, Bloomington, Hastings, Woodbury), Down Syndrome Groups (Hastings, Apple Valley), Family Access Groups for Latino Families (Minneapolis, St. Paul), Family Access Groups for Hmong Families, Father's Group (Minneapolis), General Disability Support Group (Coon Rapids, Rosemount, Stillwater, White Bear Lake, Minneapolis, Waconia). For a list of Minnesota Parent Support Groups, visit http://www.arcgreatertwincities.org/networking-groups.aspx or call 952-920-0855.

Autism Group, includes pizza dinner and childcare is provided.
When: First Thursday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: McAuliffe Elementary School, 1601 12th Street West, Hastings, MN.
For more information, please contact Elaine Bells at 651-480-7390.

African American Adoption Agency
SNAP (Supporting & Nurturing Adoptive Parents) Support Group
Currently not active at this time.
For more information, please call 651-659-0460.

Ampersand Families does not sponsor formal support groups for parents or youth. The agency does, however, connect families and youth in other ways and is always open to creative ways of helping meet a family or youth's needs. Please contact Michelle at 612-605-1902 with questions, ideas or requests.

Bethany Christian Services
A newTeen/Parent group starts on May 10th 2012. It is a 6 week Support/Education group. Please view flyer for more information.
For more information, please contact Cindy Kruger at 763-553-0344.

Bemidji Area Adoptive Parent Support Group – Supported by North Homes Children and Family Services
When: Dates Vary
Where: North Homes, 210 Beltrami Avenue NW, Bemidji, MN 56601
For more information, please contact Ashley Malterud at 218-751-0282 or ashley.malterud@northhomes.org

Bemidji NORTH HOMES Support Group
For more information, please contact Sarah Coumbe Guida at 218-224-3361 or toll free at 877-726-0201 or email at cg.consulting@yahoo.com

Children's Home Society & Family Services Support Groups All support groups are facilitated by a licensed social worker and CHSFS staff. Unless otherwise noted, all groups meet at Children's Home Society & Family Services, 1605 Eustis Street, St. Paul, MN 55108. For more information about any of the CHSFS support groups, please contact Heidi Wiste at 651-255-2368 or email at hwiste@chsfs.org.

MN Waiting Children Parent Support Group Any parent who has adopted or is waiting to adopt a child through the Minnesota foster care system, regardless of placing agency is welcome to attend. When: Second Tuesday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Where: Children's Home Society & Family Services, 1605 Eustis Street, St. Paul, MN 55108 For a dates and times, please visit http://www.chsfs.org/Adoptive_Parent_Group_MWC To RSVP, please contact Suzanne Witte Habedank at 651-255-2211.

Support Groups for Families with Children Ages 8-18 (Parenting Teens Support Group) Parenting teens and adolescents can be challenging and rewarding. Adoption adds another dimension. Come share and support each other in this safe, informative group. Pre-registration is required. Groups are for parents only. Please make arrangements for childcare. When: Second Monday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Where: Children's Home Society & Family Services, 1605 Eustis Street, St. Paul, MN 55108 For dates and times, please visit http://www.chsfs.org/parenting-teens For more information or to register, please call Brian Stawarz at 651-255-2226.

Support Groups for Families with Adult Children Did you adopt in the 70s and 80s? The world of adoption has changed and now you have a chance to gather to support one another and learn more about the changing world in adoption and how it affects our relationships with our adult children. Facilitated by Maxine Walton, MSW, LICSW and Peg Studaker, BSW. Pre-registration is required for the 4-month session. These groups are for parents only. Please make arrangements for your own childcare. When: Second Thursday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Where: Children's Home Society & Family Services, 1605 Eustis Street, St. Paul, MN 55108 For dates and times, please visit http://www.chsfs.org/parenting-adult-adopted-persons To register, please call Maxine Walton at 651-255-2235 or Peg Studaker at 651-255-2269.

Support Group for Waiting Families: International Adoption Those wishing to attend must 1) Be actively enrolled in CHSFS international adoption program 2) Be approved by their CHSFS adoption social worker 3) May join at any time and attend one or all meetings and 4) Must register for each meeting; No cost to attend. Where: Children's Home Society & Family Services, 1605 Eustis Street, St. Paul, MN 55108 For dates and times, please visit http://www.chsfs.org/Waiting-Families-Group-International To register, please call Hannah in the St. Paul office at 651-255-2256.

Support Group for Families: Domestic Infant Open Adoption Those wishing to attend must 1) Be actively enrolled in the CHSFS domestic infant open adoption program 2) be approved by their CHSFS adoption social worker 3) May join at any time and attend one or all meetings 4) Must register for each meeting; No cost to attend and 5) Should note, child care is not provided. When: Specified Saturday mornings from 10:00 am to 12 pm noon Where: Children's Home Society & Family Services, 1605 Eustis Street, St. Paul, MN 55108 For dates and times, please visit http://www.chsfs.org/waiting-families-group-open To register, please call Laura Chapeau at 651-255-2241.

Support Groups for Families Living with an Open Adoption Relationship Any adoptive family who is living an open adoption relationship, regardless of placing agency is welcome to attend. When: Fourth Monday of every other month from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Where: Children's Home Society & Family Services, 1605 Eustis Street, St. Paul, MN 55108 For dates and times, please visit http://www.chsfs.org/adoptive-famlies-group-open-adoption To register, please call Heather at 651-255-2410.

Dakota County Parent Support Group & Children of Adoptive Families, toddlers are also welcome
When: Meets Second Monday of each Month from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Where: Dakota County Western Service Center, 14955 Galaxie Avenue, Apple Valley, MN 55124.
To RSVP, please contact Ann Dempsey at 952-891-7415 or ann.dempsey@co.dakota.mn.us

Downey Side Family Support Meetings, open to all adoptive parents and prospective adoptive parents.
When: First Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm
Where: Downey Side Owatonna, 560 Dunnell Drive, Suite 201, Owatonna, MN 55060.
For more information and to attend, please contact Claudia at 507-446-8503 or Owatonna@downeyside.org

Family Focus, provides families and communities with an array of quality services that promote the development of healthy family relationships and supportive living environments. For information about ongoing support groups, please call 612-331-4429 or visit www.MNfamilyfocus.org

Families with Children from China, is a nonprofit, parent volunteer organization that builds strong, adoptive intercultural families by providing support, education and cultural awareness to those families who have adopted children from China. For more information in your area, please contact:

Northwoods Minnesota & Wisconsin – contact Jill Dalbacka at 218-525-4906
St. Cloud, Minnesota – contact Deanna Petzold at 320-656-9299 or dlpetzold@gmail.com
Rochester, Minnesota – contact Kathy Olson at 507-289-2060
Thief River Falls, Minnesota – contact Kristel Kizer at 218-681-6332 or kristel.kizer@northlandcollege.edu

Families for Russian & Ukrainian Adoption (FRUA), is a national nonprofit organization with chapters across the U.S. and members around the world. FRUA's mission is to improve the lives of children by supporting families completed through adoption in Eastern European countries and, through our orphanage support efforts, to never forget the children left behind, who will grow up in those orphanages. (Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Bulgaria, Belarus, Romania). For more information about the Minnesota Chapter, please contact Jennifer Mayotte at 763-585-0884 or info@fruamn.org or visit www.frua.org

Gaylord Area Adoption Support Group
When: Fourth Thursday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: American Lutheran Church, 911 8th Street, Gaylord, MN 55334.
For more information, please contact Kari Fletcher at 507-380-4916 or karifletcher@nacac.org or Lisa Templin at 507-237-5302.

HOPE Adoption & Family Services Therapeutic Support Group, meetings are facilitated by Claude Riedel of the Adoptive Family Counseling Center.
When: Third Tuesday of most months from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: HOPE Adoption & Family Services; 5850 Omaha Avenue North, Oak Park Heights, MN 55082.
For more information, please contact 651-439-2446 or email jkink@hopeadoptionservices.org or visit http://www.hopeadoptionservices.org

Kindred Family Services Parent/Youth Support Group
When: Meets monthly from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, please call for specific dates
Where: Greenbush School Media Center and Pre School Room, Bemidji
To RSVP and for more information contact Ashley Charwood, LSW at 218-333-8001 or acharwood@kindredfamilyservices.org.

Lutheran Social Service Support Groups, For information about ongoing support groups, please visit http://www.lssmn.org/Services/

LSS Minnetonka Support Group When: First Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm with a light dinner served by congregation members. Children are provided supervised activities. Where: St. Paul's Lutheran Church,13207 Lake Street Extension in Minnetonka For more information, please call LSS at 651.642.5990

LSS Blaine Support Group, Blaine relative caregivers When: Second Monday of each month at 6:30 pm Where: Christ Lutheran Church, 641 89th Ave NE, Blaine For more information, please call LSS at 651.642.5990

LSS Minneapolis Support Group, Bring a sack supper for yourself if you desire. Qualified staff provide activities and snacks for the children. When: Second Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm Where: LSS, 2400 Park Ave, Minneapolis For more information, please call LSS at 651.642.5990

LSS Roseville Support Group, relative caregiver group When: Fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm Where: Roseville Lutheran Church, 1215 West Roselawn, Roseville For more information, please call LSS at 651.642.5990

Latinos Relative Caregivers, Latinos o personas que hablen español son Bienvenidos a compartir el grupo de abuelos que estan criando nietos o algún tro pariente, los días Martes en la mañana a las 10:00 am el grupo se reúne en el edificio de Lutheran Social Services ubicado en el 3r piso de 2400 Park Avenida sur en la ciudad de Minneapolis. Por favor contactar a Lorena al (612) 879-5290

Soporte Individual & Interse-sora, legal Puedes hablar con al-guien hacerca del problema de violencia familiar en tu hogar aprende nuevas formas de man-tener tu familia segura y como manejar el sistema legal.

Mental Health Association of Minnesota (MHAM), offers a variety of Mental Health support groups in the Twin Cities, Duluth and Greater Minnesota area. For a list of current support groups, please visit http://www.mentalhealthmn.org/mental-health-advocacy/individual-advocacy/access-to-health-care-and-community-services/support-groups

Minnesota Organization of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (MOFAS), and Other Support Groups, provide emotional support, allow people to share information and discuss common issues, but more importantly, support groups provide the feeling that you are not alone on this path. For information about ongoing support groups, please visit http://www.mofas.org/families/familysupport/support-groups/

Caregivers Support Group, topics vary. Dinner and child care are provided. When: Third Thursday of each month from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Where: Pillsbury House, basement, 3501 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN For more information, please contact Sierra at 651-917-2370 or sierra@mofas.org

Dad's Coffee. Jeff Beyer, one of the metro area Family Resource Coordinators, meet monthly with other dads who are paren ting children with FASD. It is a great help to talk as men and share personal stories from a father's point of view. When: Third Saturday of each month from 7:00 am to 9:00 am Where: Caribou Coffee, 501 Washington Avenue, Minneapolis, MN For more information, please contact Jeff at jeff@fasdfamilyresource.org

4Keeps Adoption Support Group please check www.4keeps.org for updated information.

South Metro Moms Support Group, gather with other mothers of FASD affected children in this region to informally share resources, insights and resources. When: Every Tuesday morning at 9:45 am Where: Panera Bread, 15052 Gleason Path, Suite 100, Apple Valley, MN For more information, please contact Tanya Weinmeyer at 952-836-7182 or tweinmeyer@yahoo.com

Rochester Area Adoption/Foster Support Group When: Fourth Thursday of each month (November/December, Third Thursday of each month) Where: 1025 Maywood Road SE, Rochester, MN 55904 For more information or to arrange for free child care, please contact Debra Dalin at dalin.debra@co.olmstead.mn.us or call 507-328-6432 or Melissa Fredin at Melissa.fasdfamily@resource.org or 507-272-0964.

Medford FASD Support Group, a support group for parents, families, individuals touched by FASD, to make meaningful connections, find helpful information and facts, and talk about the joys and struggles of life with FASD. Child care is available. When: Third Monday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 3rd Street SW, Medford, MN For more information, please call 507-272-0964 or email Melissa@fasdfamilyresource.org

National Alliance on Mental Health Illness (NAMI), offers family-to-family support groups provide ongoing support for families and friends of persons with mental illness. Support groups are scheduled for the following locations and times. For more information , please visit http://www.namihelps.org/support/family-support-groups.html or call 65 1-645-2948.

St. Cloud Relatives as Parents Discussion Group, gives you the opportunity to discuss topics of important with other relatives as parents. Dinner provided and child care available upon request.
When: Second Thursday of each month from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Child Care Choices, 2901 Clearwater Road, St. Cloud, MN
To RSVP, please contact Crystal at 320-251-5081 ext. 18 or email cpeterson@childcarechoices.net

GRANDPARENT/KINSHIP SUPPORT GROUPS

Local Minnesota Support Groups

GrandFamily Connection, provides a group through Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota supporting grandparents and others raising relative children.
For more information, please visit http://www.lssmn.org/grandfamilies/default.htm or call 612-879-5307.

Grandparent to Grandparent, is sponsored by PACER Center, Inc. Grandparents meet as a group to share concerns and to learn about their grandchild's special needs. The support groups offer grandparents opportunities to discuss the impact of the child's disability on the entire family, and to obtain up-to-date information about the child's special problems and needs. Most importantly, grandparents have a chance to meet other grandparents who share their concerns. For more information, please visit http://www.pacer.org/grandparent/ or call 952-838-9000.

Grandparents and Others Raising Relative's Kids, sponsored by Lutheran Social Service. For a consultation and more information about raising relative's children, please contact Connie M. Booth, LICSW at 612-879-5328 or connie.booth@lssmn.org.
http://www.lssmn.org/grandfamilies/groups.htm

Blaine Group When: Every second Monday from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Where: Christ Lutheran Church, 641 89th Avenue NE, Blaine, MN

Roseville Group When: Every fourth Thursday from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Where: Roseville Lutheran Church, 1215 Roselawn, Roseville, MN

Minneapolis Group When: Every second Thursday from 6:00 pm top 7:30 pm Where: Lutheran Social Service, 2400 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN

Minnetonka Group When: Every first Thursday light meal served at 6:00 pm Where: St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 13207 Lake Street Extension, Minneapolis, MN

Latino Caregiver's Group When: Every Tuesday at 10:30 am Where: Lutheran Social Service, 2400 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN

 

MN Kinship Caregivers Association (MKCA)
161 St. Anthony Avenue Ste., 940
St. Paul, MN 55103
877-917-4640 toll free or 651-917-4640
www.mkca.org

Kinship Caregivers Resource Manual: "Legal Steps",
provides information for any caregivers or kin who are considering taking a child into their care. Find it at:
http://www.mkca.org/legal-steps.html

Articles on Relative Caregiving:
http://www.mkca.org/resources.html#fosteringconnections

Parenting Again - Grandparents Suppport Group, For grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. Join us to meet other grandparents with similar joys and challenges. Free childcare and meal provided
When: Meet once a month, please call for exact dates
Where: Fairview School, Mora, MN
Call 320-679-6257 for more information.

Parent Warmline, Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, a free non-medical, non-crisis telephone consultation service for parenting questions and concerns. Calls are returned by volunteers who are experienced professionals in child development and behavior. Call 612-813-6336.

Raising Relatives Children Online Resource Guide, is an online resource directory intended for everyone, but especially for Minnesota residents interested in ensuring that children are raised in the safe homes of family members. For more information, please visit http://www.raisingrelativeschildren.com/Relatives_Raising_Children__A_Guide_for_Your_Journey/Welcome_to_the_Journey.html

National Resources

American Association of Retired Person (AARP), helps grandparents raising their grandchildren by offering a newsletter, factsheets, a grandparents support database, state by state information on visitation and a discussion group. For more information, please visit AARP or call 800-424-3410.

Generations United, focuses on intergenerational issues including grandparents caregivers and foster grandparents. For more information, please visit http://www.gu.org/ or call 202-289-3979.

Grandparenting Today, provides legal resources, answers to questions grandparents raising grandkids have asked. Sponsored by the University of Wisconsin Extension Services. For more information, please visit http://fyi.uwex.edu/grandparenting/

GrandsPlace, offers multiple resources for grandparents raising their grandchildren including an email newsletter, message board and legal resources. For more information, please visit http://grandsplace.org/

iGrandparents, is a blog dedicated for grandparents. Some of the topics include grandparents who are raising their grandchildren, visitation rights, suggestions for holiday activities and more. To follow, please visit http://www.igrandparents.com/

updated March 2012-email jritchie@mnadopt.org to add your group info