Safe Passage for Children of Minnesota

28/10/2026

A Year of Impact: Safe Passage’s Work in 2026

Published its child fatality report. Safe Passage was the first organization in the country to research and publish state child fatality reviews, and the report is cited by legislators and national child welfare researchers.

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28/10/2026

Last week, we learned why the federal government took over the Red Lake Nation’s child welfare program in northern Minnesota.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs assumed control of the program on September 10. The Minnesota Star Tribune obtained an 11-page letter the Department of the Interior sent to tribal leaders the day before the takeover. The letter describes multiple children who died from abuse or neglect since 2021.

Read the full blog here: https://safepassageforchildren.org/red-lake-nation-deaths-shed-light-on-the-importance-of-our-work/

26/10/2026

Thank you to the Star Tribune for including our Letter to the Editor in today's publication. We want to make sure that kids are safe in every part of our state.

Kids are in danger all over the state, not just in Red Lake Nation.

22/10/2026

Last week at our 2026 Legislative Breakfast and Fundraiser, we recognized Melissa DeBilzan and Karen Nestingen as Safe Passage’s 2026 Child Safety MVP Award winners.

Melissa DeBilzan served two years as interim executive director of Safe Passage for Children of Minnesota. During that time, she drove key legislative wins, grew the organization, and raised awareness of child abuse across the state. She was recognized for her tenacity and dedication to keeping kids safe.

Karen Nestingen has led the Support Group for Adult Survivors of Child Abuse since February 2021. About 50 survivors have attended the group since then. Karen is trained to facilitate the group through the Adult Survivors of Child Abuse organization, and she was recognized for her leadership and dedication to survivors.

Read the full blog here: https://safepassageforchildren.org/advocates-gather-for-safe-passage-for-childrens-2026-legislative-breakfast-and-fundraiser/

21/10/2026

Safe Passage Board Chair Dr. Lisa Hollensteiner outlined how the organization’s research and advocacy respond to dangers. Parental drug and alcohol use is the leading reason children enter foster care in Minnesota. Safe Passage’s child fatality reviews have documented more than 200 child deaths over the past 10 years, and fentanyl was a primary cause in 20 to 43 percent of deaths in its last two reports.

“Children cannot advocate for themselves, so we have to advocate for them,” said Hollensteiner. “These children only get one childhood, and they deserve to be safe and to reach adulthood.”

Read the full blog here: https://safepassageforchildren.org/advocates-gather-for-safe-passage-for-childrens-2026-legislative-breakfast-and-fundraiser/

20/10/2026

At our 2026 Legislative Breakfast and Fundraiser, we had guest speaker Rachel Benzine, a foster parent, who shared her experience caring for children removed from a home affected by fentanyl and domestic violence.

Read the full blog here and Rachel Benzine's speech: https://safepassageforchildren.org/advocates-gather-for-safe-passage-for-childrens-2026-legislative-breakfast-and-fundraiser/

19/10/2026

Last week we welcomed 140 supporters, partners, and community leaders to our 2026 Legislative Breakfast and Fundraiser on Tuesday, October 13, at the Minneapolis Club. The morning brought advocates together to reflect on the child-safety issues Safe Passage worked on in 2026, look ahead to the 2027 legislative session, and recognize two people whose work has made Minnesota safer for children.

We sincerely appreciate everyone who was able to attend and are thankful for our 2026 sponsors:

Presenting Event Sponsor: Storms & Dworak
Event Sponsor: RBC Wealth Management – The Cove Capital Group
Host Sponsor: Minneapolis Club
Premier Table Sponsors: Minnesota Catholic Conference, Mason LLC, and Sunrise Banks

Read the full blog here: https://safepassageforchildren.org/advocates-gather-for-safe-passage-for-childrens-2026-legislative-breakfast-and-fundraiser/

11/10/2026

We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 Safe Passage for Children Legislative Breakfast and Fundraiser on Tuesday, October 13.

We’re grateful for your advocacy for children, and we look forward to seeing you and sharing our most recent organizational successes.

Event details: https://safepassageforchildren.org/events/2026-legislative-breakfast-and-fundraiser/

08/10/2026

October is SIDS Awareness Month, and it's also Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. For families affected by these tragedies, this month brings back a loss they carry every day.

We also want to talk about a number that hasn't moved much in years. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, about 50 otherwise healthy Minnesota babies die each year of sleep-related unintentional injuries, often in an adult bed or on a sofa with a parent or older child.

Read the full blog here:
https://safepassageforchildren.org/safe-sleep-for-babies-is-important/

07/10/2026

A BIG thank you to RBC Wealth Management - Cove Capital Group for your generous support! We’re grateful to have you as part of our Supporting Event Sponsor for our 2026 Legislative Breakfast and Fundraiser. 💙

We are one week away from the event! Make sure to register as seats are limited: https://safepassageforchildren.org/events/2026-legislative-breakfast-and-fundraiser/