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    Board Membership

    Per the enabling statute, The Board of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson is established to make recommendations to the foster youth ombudsperson and staff while continuously overseeing the foster youth ombudsperson's work. The board shall evaluate the foster youth ombudsperson's effectiveness through regular meetings with current and former youth in the foster care system and community advocates working closely with the foster care system. The board consists of:

     (1) five youth who are currently in the foster care system or who were recently in the foster care system;
     (2) four adults who were in the foster care system as youths;
     (3) one attorney who works in the juvenile court system or family court;
     (4) one guardian ad litem who is currently appointed to protect the interests of minors in cases in the juvenile court system;
     (5) one social worker who works in the juvenile justice system or family court; and
     (6) three nonprofit professionals who work at nonprofits serving foster youth.

    Information about members currently appointed to the Advisory Board, as well as any current openings, can be found on the Office of the Secretary of State’s website: Board/Commission Details (state.mn.us)

    *Foster: Anyone who has ever been in foster care, even if they are reunified, adopted, or age out of care.

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    DeShawn Woods-Carter

    Adult Formerly in the Foster Care System
    *Foster
    A picture of Elena Leomi

    Elena Leomi

    Nonprofit Professionals Who Work at Nonprofits Serving Foster Youth
    A picture of Izavella Wagner

    Izavella Wagner

    Youth Who is Currently in the Foster Care System or Was Recently in the Foster Care System
    *Foster
    A picture of Jasmine Clark

    Jasmine Clark

    Adult Formerly in the Foster Care System
    *Foster
    Board Co-Chair
    A picture of Kristy Schneider

    Kristy Schneider

    Nonprofit Professionals Who Work at Nonprofits Serving Foster Youth
    Board Co-Chair
    A picture of Lacey Hubert

    Lacey Hubert

    Social Worker Who Works in the Juvenile Justice System or Family Court
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    Lucina Kayee

    Adult Formerly in the Foster Care System
    *Foster
    A picture of Melinda Doms

    Melinda Doms

    Guardian ad litem Who is Currently Appointed to Protect the Interests of Minors in Cases in the Juvenile Court System
    A picture of Nia Dyer

    Nia Dyer

    Youth Who is Currently in the Foster Care System or Was Recently in the Foster Care System
    *Foster
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    Zigwan Frazer

    Adult Formerly in the Foster Care System
    *Foster
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    Graciela Bloch

    Attorney Who Works in the Juvenile Court System or Family Court
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    Ariana Chamoun

    Nonprofit Professionals Who Work at Nonprofits Serving Foster Youth
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    Sage Desai

    Youth Who is Currently in the Foster Care System or Was Recently in the Foster Care System
    *Foster
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    Shawna Bullen-Fairbanks

    Youth Who is Currently in the Foster Care System or Was Recently in the Foster Care System
    *Foster
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    Aleesha German

    Youth Who is Currently in the Foster Care System or Was Recently in the Foster Care System
    *Foster
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