Letters - August 2025

How can people advocate for teens in family court?
July's is another great issue of Messenger!
I have a question that could be considered a letter to the editor, I suppose – and even printed, because I'm probably not the only reader who wondered this. This is regarding the article about the teens' experience with family court and appointed counselors and "masters" in the July issue. Their situation is horrible – and exactly the opposite of how the process needs to work, to help young people mature in a safe and healthy setting. Unfortunately, it is likely that theirs is probably not the only situation like this, though hopefully most are not so extreme.
My question is – what is an appropriate response for people who would like to see this overall structure improve? I can think that there may be state laws that could be created (or enforced), that there could be certification or training of masters and judges who are decision makers or doing assessments – and maybe some additional funding for staffing (at counties?) to be sure there is adequate time to do oversight and assessment of cases. Some information on the "levers" that could bring different results would be appreciated.
Thank you!
Christine Retkwa
Minnehaha

Editor's note: Thanks for this question! When I reached out to local advocates with this question, they asked that people write to their legislators urging them to introduce – or co-author – legislation that:
1. Prohibits court-ordered “Parent-Child Reunification Programs” (PCRR), “reunification therapy,” or the so-called “resist/refuse” model in Minnesota family courts; and
2. Bars the appointment of private “Special Masters” (sometimes called parenting consultants) in custody and parenting-time matters.
A bill would amend Minnesota State chapter 518 to make it unlawful for any court to order (a) PCRR / reunification programs of more than one overnight without written consent of the child’s primary custodian and the child’s therapist, or (b) therapy that separates a child from a safe parent.
It would also add language prohibiting courts from appointing Special Masters (or any quasi-judicial delegate) to make or enforce custody decisions; instead, courts must retain direct judicial oversight or use the existing guardian-ad-litem framework.
Advocates also urge people to ask that a Judiciary Committee hearing be held this session so affected youth can testify.

Wildfires Endanger Minnesota’s Peatlands – But We Can Protect Them
With embers from Minnesota’s wildfires still smoldering and Canadian smoke darkening our skies, it’s worth remembering that fires burn more than trees – they consume peatlands, a living foundation beneath our forests that has protected us for centuries. Once lost, these carbon-rich wetlands cannot be replaced.
Peatlands are waterlogged wetlands filled with thousands of years of accumulated peat moss. Amazingly, they store 40% of the state’s terrestrial carbon, prevent floods and droughts, filter drinking water, and sustain vulnerable wildlife. But when they burn, their benefits vanish – and the carbon they release rivals the state’s largest polluters.
I’m proud to call the Arrowhead region my home, and over the years, I’ve seen how peatlands anchor this truly special part of our state. Minnesota is second only to Alaska in peatland acreage, with over 6 million acres supporting rare orchids, butterflies, and songbirds. Globally, peatlands cover just 3% of Earth’s land but store 30% of its land-based carbon – double the carbon stored in all the world’s forests combined!
Yet peatlands face growing threats, from historic drainage to modern disruptions like severe drought, mining, and logging. We must be smart about land management—protecting healthy peatlands and restoring degraded ones.
Given their outsized importance, peatlands deserve greater prioritization. A few solutions: policies that help northern counties access state restoration funds, updating the Wetland Conservation Act rules to account for existing peatland carbon stores and not just their potential for future carbon storage, and designating ecosystem service benefits for peatlands on state managed land to maximize their long-term value.
By acting now, Minnesota can safeguard its natural heritage while reducing catastrophic wildfire risks. Peatlands are our frontline defense – buffering floods, mitigating droughts, and shielding communities from deadly fires. If we delay, these critical ecosystems could vanish in smoke, taking their protections with them.
LeeAnn Geshick
Ely

NEW FEDERAL BUDGET IS ABHORRENT
The new Republican federal budget is abhorrent; and Minnesotans now must rely on our state and local governments to counteract it in every way possible.
In terms of climate change, as a Minneapolis resident, I urge Mayor Frey and the city council to accelerate the city’s move to 100% renewable clean energy for all buildings. Ramping up the utility franchise fee funding to $118 million annually by 2030 will enable an essential citywide transition to clean energy by 2040. Now is the time for the city to show even greater leadership for climate equity, raising funds in a temporary, targeted and equitable way that will help residents save money on their utility bills while also enjoying clean & renewable energy and improving the future for generations.
Arlene Mathison
Nokomis

WE APPRECIATE VOLUNTEERS
Minnesotans have long been recognized for their volunteerism and service to the community. As President of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS), I see the impact of their service every day. I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the nearly 10,000 volunteers who choose to serve their neighbors alongside our dedicated teams.
LSS provides services in communities in all 87 counties of Minnesota – including here in the Longfellow and Nokomis neighborhoods – through a range of services that inspire hope, change lives and build community. Volunteers play a critical role in our ability to provide services locally. Their efforts build solidarity among neighbors and provide resources that build self-sufficiency for the 1 in 63 Minnesotans supported by LSS each year.
If you are looking for a way to make an impact, I invite you to volunteer with LSS. From meal delivery drivers, to neighborly visitors, to foster grandparents, LSS has plenty of opportunities for you to get involved. And if you already volunteer with us, know that your help is incredibly valued and is making a meaningful difference in the lives of your neighbors.
Patrick Thueson
President, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota