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.

Applications are Open for the Board of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson

The following seats have openings:

Youth Who are Currently in the Foster Care System or Who Were Recently in the Foster Care System (2 seats). (Note: this seat is for people under age 26 who are currently in foster care or who were in foster care recently, during their teens or early 20s. Only people with recent foster care experience should apply for these seats).
Adults Who Were in the Foster Care System as Youths (2 seats). (Note: this seat is for people age 26 or older, or for people 18 or older who were in foster care as children. People without recent foster care experience should apply for this seat).
Nonprofit Professionals Who Work at Nonprofits Serving Foster Youth (1 seat).
Guardian ad Litem Who is Currently Appointed to Protect the Interests of Minors in Cases in the Juvenile Court System (1 seat).

What You Should Know:

While OOFY reviews applications and makes recommendations to the Governor’s Office, the GO ultimately makes the final decision for appointments. If appointed, you will be notified by them. If appointed, you will be asked to complete a background check.
We encourage applicants to make your role clear in your application materials (ex: identify your lived experience if applying for a Youth or Adult seat for those with lived experience).
Strong applications include a resume, cover letter, and additional materials like recommendations or writing samples.
We recommend that applicants attend an OOFY Board meeting. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications and links to meetings.
If you applied in previous years, you do need to apply again. Please submit a new application and updated materials.

How do I apply?

Go to: https://commissionsandappointments.sos.mn.gov/Account/Register to create an account.
Go to https://commissionsandappointments.sos.mn.gov/Agency/Details/305.
Find the Open Seat you want to apply for and select the green button that says “Apply.”
Complete the application, including your resume and cover letter, and any other materials that demonstrate why you should be selected.
OOFY requires all applicants to complete our Supplementary Application.
OOFY required all applicants for the Youth seat to complete our Youth Application.
Our priority deadline for applicants is March 31st. You are welcome to apply after this date, but your application will not be reviewed for recommendation by OOFY.

What happens next?

Once we receive your application, we will confirm receipt and send you the additional forms. OOFY will share our recommendations with the Governor’s Office by May 1st. The GO will begin their review process in May. Our hope is that selected applicants can join us for our June 2026 meeting.

Questions? Please contact info.oofy@state.mn.us.

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

Elena Leomi

Nonprofit Professionals Who Work at Nonprofits Serving Foster Youth

Jasmine Clark

Adult Formerly in the Foster Care System
*Foster
Board Co-Chair

Kristy Snyder

Nonprofit Professionals Who Work at Nonprofits Serving Foster Youth

Lacey Hubert

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