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

Vice Chair Claire Hansen introduced House File 2009, an appropriation request to expand the Office of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson (UFIE) by two full‑time staff dedicated to proactive outreach and in‑person visits to foster youth in Minnesota and out‑of‑state placements. Hansen said the office opened in early 2024 after bipartisan legislation and serves Minnesota foster youth; the requested funding would support outreach, youth‑friendly materials and capacity to meet foster youth where they live.

Misty Koontz, the state's Foster Youth Ombudsperson, said most of UFIE's staff and many partners bring lived foster‑care experience to the office and that proactive, in‑person outreach is the most effective way to identify and address youth concerns. She cited ombuds offices in other states that identified serious facility concerns through visits and said Minnesota needs the capacity to mirror that oversight. Koontz asked for a $240,000 base appropriation increase to support two positions.

Two foster youth, Vivian Dudley and Travis Matthews, testified about their experiences. Dudley said she never knew she had rights while in care and that education about rights would have changed key aspects of her case; she said UFIE provides a confidential space for youth to be heard. Matthews, who aged out of foster care less than two years ago, described time in placements including group homes and detention and said many placements are "staffed by underqualified, underpaid, and overworked people." He urged full funding so the ombudsperson can educate youth about rights and hold placements accountable.

The committee laid House File 2009 over for possible inclusion in the committee's omnibus deliberations. No appropriation was approved during the hearing.