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Success Stories
- 18 year old Byron, a youth in long-term foster care, is a
recent high school graduate whose expectations for college were
precluded by the certainty that his birth mother would not
complete the required financial aid form. CLC staff tracked the
federal regulations to determine that, having been court ordered
to foster care, Byron was categorized as an "orphan/ward of the
court." His mother's agreement to the financial aid form was not
necessary - now Byron has financial assistance and started college
in the fall 2001.
- Pregnant and penniless 17-year-old Tatia had fled her foster
home and was living with her boyfriend's parents in an unlicensed
home inappropriate for her needs. Inadequate nutrition and lack of
transportation for medical care threatened her heath and the
health of her baby. CLC staff and volunteer attorneys interceded.
Tatia is now in a licensed foster care home and eating regularly.
She has maternity clothes and transportation to pre-natal doctor
visits. After over a year of inadequate out of home care she and
her unborn child have a chance.
- Jack, (11), a state ward, wanted to be adopted by a family but
Jack's sister did not want to be adopted. The country opposed the
adoption, in part because it was would separate the siblings; Jack
was torn between his sister and being adopted. CLC's staff
attorney and social worker counseled Jack. Jack chose adoption,
and the court granted his request. Jack and his sister continued
to have contact.
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I'm so impressed with what I've read about Minnesota
Children's Law Center. This is an example of what I talk about--of
bringing social workers together with lawyers and others concerned
with the interests of children to address the issues in a
comprehensive way.
-former United States
Attorney General Janet Reno |
