In a groundbreaking move towards improving child protection systems, Transforming Systems Together (TST) announced its first series of community grants, distributing $1,228,550 to 26 local entities. This child protection act initiative marks a significant step forward in ensuring the well-being of children potentially at risk in Ramsey County’s child protection system.
Recognizing the urgent requirement to overhaul the child welfare system, TST, in conjunction with Ramsey County, marked child welfare system enhancement as its premier priority in 2021. With the county’s support, TST created a more streamlined and community-centric grant distribution system. The collaboration was fruitful, and by 2022, the county commissioners sanctioned a $2.5 million budget dedicated to these child protection grants.
Director of TST, Danny Givens commented, “Our collective hard work has led to an equitable community investment strategy emphasizing preventive measures. This initial grant distribution signifies a pioneering shift in system reforms that will, hopefully, resonate for years.”
Data indicates a systematic bias in child protection act, with Black and American Indian communities disproportionately affected in Ramsey County. Such disparities are evident when considering the ten times higher likelihood of out-of-home placements for American Indian children than the broader county demographic. The same risk is twice the likelihood for multiracial and African American children.
Tonya Long, a TST community member, elaborated, “These TST Grants are a beacon of hope, channeling community and cultural resources to heal American Indian and Black families affected by the child protection system.”
The main objective of the TST Grants of child protection policy is to transition from solely system-heavy investments to more community-led, proactive strategies that address early intervention and prevention. This shift aims to fund community-guided resources to decrease child protection system involvement and reduce the aftermath of out-of-home placements.
Trista MatasCastillo, Ramsey County Board Chair, highlighted the county’s commitment: “Upon inviting the community for shared decision-making, we pledged to reshape systems for racial and health equality. Today, these child protection grants are a testament to child protection policy to our dedication, fueling community-led projects to meet demands and innovate.”
Ryan T. O’Connor, County Manager, further emphasized the TST Grants’ role as a blueprint for other community projects. The lessons from this endeavor will influence future investments and community collaborations in Ramsey County.
Among the grant recipients, prominent community nonprofits received Innovation Grants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000. Some notable awardees include:
- Alia and YMCA were both awarded $100,000
- The ANIKA Foundation, receiving $55,000
- ICWA Law Center awarded $77,650
Micro Grants, spanning $10,000 to $35,000, were given to community organizations and individual entrepreneurs. Accountable Cultural Brokers LLC, LOGO Community Support Services, and Montessori American Indian Child Care Center each received $35,000.
Lastly, Individual Grants of up to $10,000 were granted to private citizens offering unique cultural services. Awardees include Alfreda McClain, Latoya Ealy, and Patricia Azu-Domike.
To see all TST Grant Awardees, check here.
About Transforming Systems Together: TST is an innovative shared decision-making initiative from Ramsey County. It aims to revamp the county’s service delivery and community investment approach, placing community voices at the forefront of decision-making.