FROM OUT-OF-HOME PLACEMENT TO ADULTHOOD

By Jamie Rancour, HHS Strategic Initiatives Coordinator

Youth involved in a CHIPS case and transitioning from out-of home placement to adulthood face many challenges. Research shows that without support, these youth:

• Are more likely to be involved in the criminal justice system

• Are at higher risk of teen pregnancy and parenting

• Have lower reading and math skills, and lower graduation rates

• Have disproportionately high rates of physical, developmental, and mental health problems

• Are more likely to experience homelessness

• Have higher rates of alcohol and other drug abuse

• Have higher rates of unemployment and a likelihood of dependence on public assistance

However, these youth can succeed in life with the support of caring adults and communities. The Independent Living Skills (often called “ILS”), within Family Services, focuses on supporting youth by identifying their strengths and supporting them to acquire skills to realize a future filled with promise. Youth Transitions Coordinator, Lynn Hudson, has been in her role since the fall of 2023. She and the program’s Support Aide, Emma Buchholz, are currently working with approximately 35 youth between the ages 14 and 21.

Lynn works with youth to create their own ILS plan, which includes the youth's goals for the future in areas such as edu cation, career, hobbies, financial management and cultural en gagement and education. The ILS team will work with youth, family members, social worker to help them achieve those goals. While each ILS plan is individualized, the most common services include Driver's Education, maintaining cultural and community connections, and college exploration.

Participation is a relative term with ILS. Some youth en gage more frequently than others. Some participate to get ac cess to referrals or funding for various needs while some reach out when they need someone to talk to. Lynn and Emma work with each youth on their own terms. Support can mean different things to different people — the youth have agency to decide what it means to them, and that can change whenever they need it to. One on one contacts are the primary contacts for this program.

In March, Lynn attended a conference on facilitating summer camps for native youth. Topics included implementing culturally specific practices throughout the camp curriculum and working with youth in foster care. Traditional games and songs were also taught to attendees. Lynn’s biggest takeaways were the inspiring examples of other conference participants who are already hosting camps, and their dedication to improving programming and experiences of the youth in their communities. Lynn is looking at hosting summer camp in 2026 but possibly partnering with other departments to build her acumen leading up to hosting her own camp.

In late April, Lynn will be attending a training called “Mak ing Smart Choices” put on by the Department of Children Youth and Families. This training, which is about sexual health edu cation and healthy relationships for youth, will certify Lynn to teach groups as well counsel youth individually.

In January 2025, Lynn and Emma began a virtual bi-week ly class for their clients. Topics have included information on housing and renting apartments, creating vision boards, mental health, financial literacy, and driver’s education. These classes are ongoing and there are incentives for youth to attend.

Help prepare youth for adulthood.

Lynn emphasizes the importance of each youth having a support network. Frequently referring to herself and Emma as the youths’ cheerleaders, she explains that ILS is there to as sist with the goals that the youth set for themselves.

Lynn smiled as she shared that a number of the kids call her “grandma.” She explained that when she first started working with the Band in the fall of 2023, she was new to tribal communities and was initially offended by the title. However, as she spent more time immersed in the culture and gained an under standing of the respect and affection with which grandmothers are regarded, she now accepts the term with grace.

Eligible youth include those who have been in out-of-home placement for at least 30 consecutive days may be served starting at age 14 and up until 21. Youth aging out of foster care or have exited due to guardianship, adoption, or transfer of custody after 16 may be served up to the age of 23. If there’s an open CHIPS and the youth is over 14, they are probably eligible.

If you know a youth who may be eligible to benefit from working with ILS, please reach out to Lynn Hudson, Youth Transitions Coordinator at or 320-362-4354 or lynn.hudson@hhs. millelacsband-nsn.gov

Lynn Hudson, Youth Transitions Coordinator

Lynn is a mother of four young adults. She has a degree in elementary education and has worked with young people in the culinary and service industries for over three decades. Her coworkers describe her as energetic and welcoming. Lynn is enthusiastic about the ILS program and how it can benefit youth in the community.

Emma Buchholz, ILS Support Aide

Emma has been working with HHS since 2021, including in the areas of case manage ment and mental health. She has obtained her Associate of Arts Degree in hopes of someday going back to school to become a social worker. In her free time, Emma likes to be around friends and family. She has always been very passionate about helping people in any way possible. Emma’s coworkers would describe her as driven, creative, and organized. She hopes to use her attributes to strengthen the ILS department.