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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

AFCC-MN Members, It is with both sadness and excitement that I share the following message with you all. Our President-Elect, Racheal Howitz, is stepping down from her position. Racheal is expecting a child in late May and understandably wants to focus her attention on her family. While we were looking forward to Racheal’s term as President, we are not losing her completely. Racheal will continue to be an active member of AFCC-MN and continue to serve on committees. We wish Racheal and her family the best. This news obviously necessitates some changes at the Board level. On April 17th, the Executive Committee met to discuss next steps, pursuant to our Chapter bylaws. The Executive Committee recommended to the full Board of Directors that our current Secretary, Carlo Faccini, fulfill the remainder of Racheal’s term and then assume the Presidency at the AFCC-MN Annual Conference in July. The BOD approved Carlo’s nomination unanimously. Of course, Carlo’s move to President-Elect necessitated that the Secretary position be filled. The Executive Committee recommended to the BOD that current Board Member, Kate Stevens, be elevated to fulfill the rest of Carlo’s term as Secretary. The BOD approved Kate’s nomination unanimously. While that leaves an open BOD position to be filled, the BOD determined that the position will remain vacant until the next slate of nominations is presented to membership at the Annual Conference in July. I would like to thank the Board of Directors for addressing these matters in a thoughtful and efficient manner. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Regards, Zak Chesson President, AFCC-MN

Resources Co-parenting Guidelines During Covid-19 Chief justice Gildea Order Rights of People with Disabilities During COVID-19 4/10 Com. Chat Mediation/arbitration option – RETR Description 4/10 Com. Chat – Mediation/arbitration option – RETR Order Minnesota’s COVID-19 Response and Preparation Capacity The Minnesota Family Law Podcast Mindy Mitnick – Community Chat Video -Access Password: e4@T&%?P 4/17 Com. Chat – Beyond Conflict – Mindy Mitnick PPT 4/24 Lunch/Learn – Appointment of a Special Master in custody and parenting time cases – Tanja M anrique Video -Access Password: 8Q.Fe#8j 4/24 Lunch/Learn – Appointment of a Special Master in custody and parenting time cases – Tanja Manrique PPT Chief Justice Order Implementing Emergency Executive Order 20-48 Information about appearing at Remote Hearings in Court Coercive Control During COVID-19 Second Judicial District Family Law Recovery Plan Pandemic Status Report Judge Ireland’s cover letter Fourth Judicial District Family Law Recovery Plan COVID-19 reopen Hennepin County Bar letter Dakota County Family Law Recovery Plan Justice Gildea’s May 15, 2020 order and COVID-19 Preparedness Plan 5/21 Best Online Practices Conference – Zoom ADR Meeting Checklist 5/21 Best Online Practices Conference – Taking your ADR Practice Online by Carl Arnold 5/21 Best Online Practices Conferences – Best Online Meeting Practices 5/21/Best Online Practices Conferences – Ethics Rules to Consider When Practicing in a Pandemic 6/26 Com. Chat – Supervised Family Visitation – Parenting Handbook 6/26 Com. Chat – Supervised Family Visitation – Reminder to Parents Administrative Order to Wear Masks Annual Conference Presentation – President Ref Street Annual Conference Presentation – President Jen Joseph Mindy Mitnick Handout – Things I Learned During the Pandemic Courts Temporarily Moving to Remote Hearings for Family Law NAVIGATING THE HOLIDAYS WITH COVID-19: CREATE A ROADMAP FOR SUCCESS LEGAL RESOURCES Minnesota Judicial Branch: Divorce, Child Support, Custody & Family Law Minnesota Department of Health and Human Services Minnesota Child Support Guidelines Calculator LawHelpMN.org The Collaborative Law Institute of Minnesota FAMILY SAFETY Tubman- Minnesota Family Crisis and Support Services Laws, Rules & Resources on Domestic Abuse & Harrasment – information provided by the Minnesota Judicial Branch CyberTipline – Hotline if you have information on a missing child. Department of Justice Online – U.S. Department of Justice Online – Information on the U.S. Dept. of Justice. Suicide Awareness Voices in Education US ATF – U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) – Information on the ATF.

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Welcome to AFCC-MN, an interdisciplinary and diverse association of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of all children and families through the resolution of family conflict. Improving the Lives of Children and Families Through the Resolution of Family Conflict WELCOME Welcome to AFCC-MN, an interdisciplinary and diverse association of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of all children and families through the resolution of family conflict. Links Home About AFCC MN Board AFCC MN Committees Org Chart Policies News Events ADR Training ADR Trainer Recruitment Membership Sponsorship Resources AFCC International Latest AFCC MN News AFCC-MN Important Board Message 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 physi Feb 3 COMMUNITY QUEST COMMUNITY QUEST You are receiving this message because AAML, AFCC-MN, and the Family Law League have all come together to support a major... Oct 16, 2024 A gracious invite from AFCC-WI Dear AFCC-MN Members: Our neighbors to the East at AFCC-Wisconsin have graciously invited us to join a webinar that they are having on... Jun 12, 2024 Click here to see all AFCC MN News. Upcoming AFCC MN Events Community Chat: Staying Informed: Immigration Enforcement and Its Impact on MN Family Law Apr 30, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Virtual Discussion More info Details or RSVP Trauma in Children of Divorce: Research to Practice Jun 26, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:20 PM Virtual Event More info Detail or Tickets AFCC-MN Annual Conference 2026 - Back to School: Education Related Issues for Court Involved Families Jul 31, 2026, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wilder Center Auditorium, 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA More info Detail or Tickets Load More Click here to see all AFCC MN events.