Committee hears request to expand Foster Youth Ombudsperson outreach; bill laid over for inclusion

Vice Chair Jamie Hansen presented House File 2,009, a budget request to increase the Office of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson’s staff for proactive outreach and oversight of foster placements.

Why it matters: The office opened in early 2024 to provide an independent resource for Minnesota foster youth. Committee testimony emphasized that many foster youth do not know their rights or how to use complaint and grievance processes; witnesses urged in‑person outreach to placements — including out‑of‑state facilities — to ensure youth know the office can provide confidential help.

Testimony and details: Misty Koontz, the ombudsperson, said four of the office’s six staff have lived foster‑care experience and recommended two additional full‑time positions to conduct outreach, visit facilities, and produce youth‑friendly materials. “The most effective outreach to foster youth is through proactive in person connections,” she said, citing other states’ ombuds offices where outreach was the primary source of complaints and concerns uncovered.

Foster youth who testified described gaps in knowledge and protection. Vivian Dudley said she did not know she had rights while in care and that knowing those rights might have changed outcomes in her case. Travis Matthews, a foster alumnus, described placements that he said were harmful and said the ombudsperson’s office should have capacity to inform youth about rights and to hold placements accountable.

Action taken: Committee members agreed on the office’s mission and laid House File 2,009 over for possible inclusion in the committee’s omnibus package. No appropriation was finalized at the hearing.

Ending: Supporters argued the investment would allow the office to meet youth where they are, improve awareness of foster‑youth rights and provide independent oversight of placements.