From Aunt to Mom: Honoring kinship care during Adoption Month

Each year in November, we celebrate the families that are made – and strengthened – through adoption. 

In the last three years, Hennepin County resident Lucille O’Quinn has adopted three of her brother’s children: 6-year-old De’arius, 5-year-old Amirre, and 3-year-old A’Blessing. 

When De’arius was placed with her in 2020, O’Quinn was a school bus driver whose work was interrupted by the pandemic. She already had four children of her own. But when family needed her, she didn’t hesitate. 

Kinship care – finding family members or close friends who can care for children when separated from their parents – is one of the best ways to reduce trauma and help families heal. 

But it’s not without its challenges. Many relatives are asked to step in unexpectedly with little time to prepare. Family relationships can complicate an already stressful situation.

O’Quinn’s brother and his partner were battling substance use and involved with law enforcement. The children needed special care after they were born due to prenatal substance exposure. 

“The county did everything they could possibly do to support them – and me,” O’Quinn said. “I had classes, WIC, vouchers, documentation to take them to the doctor, respite to take a break, daycare to go to work — I never felt alone.” 

Families are the best place for children 

The first goal for children in foster care is to safely reunify with their families, and O’Quinn was on board from day one. She built a closer relationship with De’arius’s mom, facilitated visits, and constantly communicated with everyone involved. 

“Relative foster parents don’t get enough credit for the tough dynamics they have to navigate,” Child Protection Social Worker Laura Heath said. “[O’Quinn] was doing social work, too.” 

But recovery can be a difficult journey, and the family’s situation hadn't improved when Amirre was born in 2020. Soon after, the parents consented to both boys being adopted by their aunt. 

That difficult decision supports their chances of parenting future children. It also created a smoother transition for the family when A’Blessing was born. 

“You never know what could happen in the future,” said O’Quinn. “That relationship with their mom is so important — and she knows she played a part. She made a decision as their mom.” 

Permanency Resource Worker Kendra Grothe was assigned to A’Blessing’s case. Grothe was the Adoption Resource Worker on De’arius and Amirre’s case before, and had built a strong relationship with O’Quinn. 

Prior to this year, Adoption Resource Workers’ main role was to identify adoptive families, relatives and non-relatives, for children legally free for adoption. They walked alongside these families to guide them through the legal adoption process and ensure they were fully informed – and prepared – to meet the needs of children being adopted. 

The county’s Adoption team transitioned to the Permanency team this year to provide the same level of support to relatives who become legal custodians through a transfer of permanent legal and physical custody (TPLPC).  

TPLPCs happen without terminating parental rights. Relatives and kin may prefer this path to help preserve children’s ties to their culture and relatives. 

Celebrating National Adoption Month 

On November 8, families whose adoptions were finalized this year gathered at the Ridgedale Library in honor of National Adoption Month. Families enjoyed activities, food, games, and went home with gifts donated by Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Minnetonka.

The event also raised awareness about Hennepin County youth still waiting for a permanent home – many of whom are part of a sibling group. 

“Sibling relationships are hopefully the longest you have in your life,” Kinship social worker Erika Lutgen said. “We work to support that relationship and keep siblings together as much as possible.” 

A’Blessing’s adoption was finalized in July, giving her a permanent home with her brothers. 

“They’ve been through a lot, but they’re happy,” said O’Quinn. “They’re together as siblings. They’re surrounded by their cousins and grandmas and aunts and uncles. They know where they came from.

“I didn’t know I would have them permanently, but I would never turn back the hands of time.” 

The shifting landscape of adoption In 2024, 111 children were adopted in Hennepin County. Over 70% of them were adopted by relatives. 

Most Hennepin County children in foster care are placed with their relatives or kin, and siblings stay together whenever possible. 

These outcomes are the result of a decade’s worth of effort and investment aligned with our commitment to disparity elimination and child well-being.