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    Shared Stories

    To learn more about what the Office of Ombudsperson for American Indian Families does, read some of our stories from the perspective of parents and grandmothers. 

    image_Mother and child

    A Mother's Story

    Mothers incarcerated at the Shakopee Correctional Facility are being given incorrect information stating that they cannot be reunified with their child who is in foster care due to their incarceration.  Many county social workers, and parent attorneys, mistakenly believe that due to the mothers’ incarceration, it is in the best interest of the child for the mother to voluntarily sign a transfer of custody for her child.  Social workers are not working with the incarcerated mothers to determine the best options available, which is a violation under federal and state law.

    photo of father and son

    A Father's Story

    "I am enjoying my time as a full-time dad. This would not have been possible without the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), the support of my tribe, the help and assistance that I received from Jill Esch, the Ombudsperson for American Indian Families, and my attorney." Read more about this father's story.
    image_Grandma and child

    Grandmothers' Stories

    Learn from the stories of two grandmothers who reached out to the Office of Ombudsperson for AMERIAN INDIAN Families regarding their grandchildren.

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