Amy Krupinski, AFCC-MN Chapter President Matt Yost, Co-chair, Legislative and Public Policy Committee On August 1, 2026, a number of new laws relating to domestic violence took effect after being passed during this year's legislative session as part of larger bills relating to public safety. These new laws include the following provisions addressing various domestic violence-related concerns: Parties who are required to surrender firearms pursuant to an order for protection are now required to file proof of surrender with the court. While surrender of firearms has historically been a collateral consequence associated with an order for protection, the updated legislation adds this affirmative obligation to provide proof of that surrender, codifying compliance and permitting courts and protected parties to pursue enforcement of this obligation. The legislation also clarifies the surrender process and provides guidance to law enforcement and the judiciary on their roles in this process. The window to arrest a suspect for misdemeanor domestic assault based on a probable cause determination increased from three days to two weeks. This increase in the time law enforcement has to arrest a suspect without the need of a warrant seeks to provide officers with greater time to locate a suspect and to prevent suspects from evading arrest for domestic violence crimes. $12.5 million in new funding was appropriated for programming to address the impacts of domestic violence, with $1.5 million going toward establishing housing grants for victims of domestic violence and sexual violence and $11 million going to address a reduction in federal funding for services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and other crimes. AFCC-MN recognizes the impact this new legislation has on its membership and seeks to ensure that members stay informed on legislative updates as they arise.

AFCC-MN Members, As the situation in Minnesota continues to change in uncertain and unexpected ways, many of us are feeling its weight acutely. We have also witnessed the impact of compassion, unity, and care shown by our communities in the face of fear, confusion, and concern. The strength we find in one another is both comforting and inspiring. As an organization focused on the well-being of children and families, AFCC-MN and its membership are profoundly aware of the physical, emotional, and financial toll that recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities are having on our communities. Supporting family well-being and upholding human dignity has always been the mission of our organization. During this time of uncertainty, we stand with families most affected, particularly those whose safety and stability are at risk. AFCC-MN also denounces all violent acts inflicted on our fellow Minnesotans, as these actions further traumatize the families and communities our membership supports throughout the state. AFCC-MN recognizes the critical work being done by nonprofit organizations, advocates, attorneys, mental health providers, and community leaders to support healing and protect vulnerable families. The challenges are significant, but our organization’s experience shows that when family professionals collaborate with respect and a shared commitment, we can make a meaningful, positive impact. Our chapter is committed to supporting our members and partners in their efforts. We know that those working directly with families are closest to the immediate challenges and long-term impact of these actions. As many of us know, community violence is deeply connected to adverse childhood experiences, as repeated exposure to unsafe environments can shape a child’s sense of security, impact emotional development, and increase the risk of long-term mental and physical health challenges. While members of AFCC-MN fulfill varied roles all of our work is ultimately rooted in listening, connecting and providing the tools and support needed to help people respond to adversity and crisis thoughtfully and effectively. AFCC-MN also recognizes the toll such work takes on practitioners themselves, as exposure to trauma, whether direct or secondarily through those we support, can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, and moral distress. In these moments, mutual support within our family law community is essential to maintaining our ability to provide compassionate care. We encourage family professionals to lead with care and responsibility by: Listening to and centering the voices of affected families and communities Supporting both immediate relief and long-term family stability Upholding dignity, safety, and trust in all interactions Practicing ongoing collaboration Practicing self-care AFCC-MN remains dedicated to strengthening the interdisciplinary community of family professionals, ensuring that together we can continue to provide resolution, resilience, and healing for children and families throughout Minnesota. We are also committed to addressing the issues children and family are facing in our community through education, resources, and outreach. We have attached a working list of resources and will be reinstating our Community Chats for members to gather and discuss. We will also be working with our Education and Values committees to offer special educational Lunch & Learns that are timely and topic specific. Resources and Education AFCC-MN Community Chats Friday February 6th, 10am – Carol Hornbeck, LMFT and Racheal Howitz, President leading an open forum. With more dates to follow, watch your email and our website. Here is a resource list of organizations - a resource list of organizations providing services or mutual aid to affected families, if you wish to volunteer your time or provide financial support. Additional list of resources included here Click for Resources AFCC-MN Board of Directors AFCC-MN Values Committee

AFCC-MN Community, In accordance with the by-laws and traditions of AFCC-MN, below you will find the candidates for the open Board of Director positions, as well as the position of President-Elect. I am happy to report that these names, which were put forth by current President-Elect Carlo Faccini and the Nominating Committee, were presented to the current Board of Directors at the May meeting and were unanimously approved by the Board. These names will now be put forth for a general membership vote at the Chapter Annual Conference on July 25th: New Directors: Carrie Crockford, MA LMFT The Honorable Jason T. Hutchison Courtney Latcham, Esq. Bethany Hurd, Esq. Amy Krupinski, Esq. (to a two-year term) President-Elect: Racheal Howitz A special thanks to Deb Link, Peggy Cottrell, and Jim Street who are at the end of their two terms. We appreciate their commitment to serving on the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors and Annual Conference Planning Committee hope to see many of you in person at the Annual Conference in July. We anticipate an exciting and educational day to learn and connect. If you have not registered yet, here is the link again https://www.afccmn.org/2024-annual-conference. Also, while I do hope to see many of you in person, we do have a remote option as well. AFCC-MN Chapter President Zak Chesson

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Address and Directions: 701 Washington Ave N, #700, Minneapolis MN 55401 Loose-Wiles Building Paid parking is available and accessed on N 3rd St in the Nordic Ramp/Sable building, you will see a small P for parking sign and driveway off of 3rd St. Attendees can park here, however it is around $20-25 per day. There is also street parking and several other cheaper ramps/lots in the area. (Itasca Lot , North Loop Ramp and Designers Guild Ramp ) We are in the same building as the Freehouse, 701 Washington Ave N. Please go into our building through the front, off of Washington Ave. The elevator inside is adjacent to the security desk, take elevator to the 7th floor. The door will say “In Tandem” (this is our newly formed parent company ) please push the call button for the doorbell to the right of the door and someone will let you in.