Personal Belongings Engagement Session #2 - Recap

To begin a PowerPoint slide prompted attendees to select one of five workgroups for breakout sessions. The five workgroup choices were:

1. Examine current policy/process for accessing adoption records and personal belongings. What is a personal belonging?
2. Examine how the state should handle personal belongings when at least one member of the adoption was identified as Native American/Alaskan Native/Indian/First Nations.
3. Examine alternative processes. How are other states or agencies handling personal belongings?
4. Community outreach, public awareness, and post-adoption resources available to adoptees and birth parents.
5. Examine ways to increase BIPOC community awareness of and access to personal belongings.

Attendees were asked to add their names and chosen workgroup in the chat. The meeting began with a recap of the 9/18/2024 session, covering:

• Adoption/Post Adoption Resources
• Roles of DCYF and Foster Adopt MN
• Post adoption search services
• DCYF’s definition of adoption personal belongings

The new Personal Belongings Engagement site was introduced, with a link for attendees to follow along. Key features, such as subscribing for updates and finding session dates, were highlighted. Attendees were encouraged to share the site.

DCYF then polled attendees for preferred times for future quarterly sessions. The options were:

1. 3^rd Tuesday from 4:00-5:30 pm
2. 3^rd Wednesday from 12:00-1:30 pm
3. 3^rd Wednesday from 4:00-5:30 pm
4. 3^rd Thursday from 4:00-5:30 pm

Option 2 (3^rd Wednesday, noon) received the most votes, with options 1 and 4 as close seconds.

Participants were placed into breakout rooms based on their preferred workgroup. DCYF staff accommodated first choices, when possible, but some were placed in second choices due to group size. During the 20-25 minute breakout, groups discussed topics and optional questions, with each group asked to select a note-taker, reporter, and to schedule their next meeting. Before the breakouts, DCYF provided examples of personal belongings scenarios.

Workgroup topics:

1. Current policy and process to access adoption records and personal belongings
2. Handling personal belongings in Native American/Alaskan Native/Indian/First Nations adoptions
3. Alternative processes in other states/agencies
4. Post-adoption community outreach and resources

Key Discussion Points:

• Native American personal belongings should be handled separately, with a healing ceremony guided by spiritual leaders before the process begins.
• A dedicated group should return Native American personal belongings with support, resources and counseling
• Consult national organization for repatriation guidance.
• Post-adoption funding should be made available for individuals accessing personal belongings for support and healing.