Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families

09/15/2026

Across Minnesota, more than 80,000 Family, Friends and Neighbors (FFN) caregivers support young children every day. These are grandparents, relatives, friends and neighbors provide trusted, culturally grounded care that helps children feel safe, connected and ready to learn.

FFN caregivers play an essential role in our early childhood system. Their daily interactions – reading together, exploring outside, sharing routines – build early learning skills long before kindergarten. At DCYF, we’re committed to uplifting this vital care by providing resources, support and access to early learning information that help caregivers strengthen the foundation children need to thrive.

This week, we celebrate the caregivers who show up every day for Minnesota’s children. Their impact is powerful, meaningful and central to the way families across the state choose care.
Join us in recognizing Minnesota’s FFN caregivers and the important role they play in our communities.

09/15/2026

The SUN Bucks eligibility period for 2026 has ended. If your child received SUN Bucks, use the benefits right away. SUN Bucks benefits expire 122 days after being loaded into the account. Check your Edge account for your child’s exact benefit expiration date.

Think your child might be eligible for SUN Bucks in 2027? See complete eligibility requirements at https://dcyf.mn.gov/sun-bucks.

If your child is not yet approved for free or reduced-price school meals this school year, contact your child’s school for an Application for Educational Benefits.

Breadcrumb Home SUN Bucks Title View all programs SUN Bucks Intro SUN Bucks is an income-based food support program that provides families with $120 per eligible school-aged child to buy groceries when school is out for the summer. Most eligible children are automatically enrolled. When children no....

09/13/2026

Today we celebrate the love, wisdom and support grandparents bring to families and communities across our state.

Many grandparents play a vital role in caring for children every day whether it’s through Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care that also allows parents to work or simply offering a safe, nurturing place for kids to feel support and connection. Their support strengthens families and communities, builds resilience and helps Minnesota’s children thrive.

Thank you to all the grandparents who show up with kindness, patience and joy. We appreciate you!

09/08/2026

As students across the state step into a new year of learning, growth and connection, we’re celebrating all the families, caregivers and educators who make this day possible.

At DCYF, our programs work year-round to help young people thrive whether it’s through early learning support, community-based programs, youth development initiatives or services that help strengthen families. When children feel supported at home and in their communities, they’re better prepared to learn, explore and succeed in school.

Wishing every student a safe, confident and inspiring start to the year.

09/08/2026

Our Office of Economic Opportunity is a proud sponsor of the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless. Join our partners Sept. 23 – 24 in Duluth for their annual conference bringing together advocates, community leaders and service providers. Learn more and register here: https://mnhomelessconference.wordpress.com/

Have you registered for the 2026 MCH Annual Conference yet?

Join us September 23–24 in Duluth for Holding Hope, Building Power: Collective Action in Community.

This year’s conference will bring together advocates, service providers, people with lived experience, community leaders, and partners from across Minnesota for two days of learning, connection, and conversations about the work happening in our communities.

Explore this year’s workshops, hear from our keynote speaker, Nancy Valentine, connect with others doing this work across the state, and leave with new ideas to bring back to your community.

Register today: https://bit.ly/3S1JtQn

We can’t wait to see you in Duluth!

09/07/2026

This Labor Day, we celebrate and honor the workers across Minnesota whose dedication strengthens our communities and supports the wellbeing of children, youth, and families.

At DCYF, our mission is to ensure every young person has the opportunities, resources and support they need to thrive. This work is only possible because of our committed staff, partners, caregivers and community members who show up each day with compassion and purpose.

Today, we recognize your contribution to building a brighter, more equitable future for Minnesota’s kids and families. Thank you for all that you do. Happy Labor Day!

Please note that DCYF Offices will be closed today, and will reopen tomorrow, September 8.

09/06/2026

Minnesota’s child support program serves more than 189,000 children.

If you receive or pay child support, support a family that does, or want Minnesota’s child support system to work well for families, we want to hear from you.

Minnesota is reviewing the guidelines used to help determine child support amounts. Your experience and perspective can help ensure they are fair, consistent, and responsive to families’ needs.

Share your input by Sept. 15: https://minnesotadcyf.us.engagementhq.com/child-support-guidelines-review/surveys/guidelines_feedback

08/31/2026

Minnesota’s young people deserve the knowledge and support to make informed decisions about relationships, parenthood, and the futures they want.

Through Paths to Parenthood, schools, community organizations, correctional facilities, and other youth-serving partners are creating space for honest conversations about the financial, legal, emotional, and personal responsibilities of becoming a parent.

If your organization serves young people, learn how you can help bring these important conversations to youth in your Minnesota community: https://dcyf.mn.gov/news/helping-young-people-plan-future-paths-parenthood

08/27/2026

“I was surprised how much my kids have actually learned from me and putting it (that learning) into practice..." Parent Focus Group participant.

Stories like this show how powerful early screening or check-ins can be and highlight how much caregivers are teaching kids every day.

To learn more about Early Childhood Screenings visit: https://dcyf.mn.gov/early-childhood-screening