Safe Passage for Children of Minnesota welcomed 140 supporters, partners, and community leaders to its 2026 Legislative Breakfast and Fundraiser on Tuesday, October 13, at the Minneapolis Club. The morning brought advocates together to reflect on the child-safety issues Safe Passage worked on in 2026, look ahead to the 2027 legislative session, and recognize two people whose work has made Minnesota safer for children.
Attendees heard from Rachel Benzine, a foster parent, who shared her experience caring for children removed from a home affected by fentanyl and domestic violence. You can read her full speech here. Safe Passage Board Chair Dr. Lisa Hollensteiner then outlined how the organization’s research and advocacy respond to those dangers. Parental drug and alcohol use is the leading reason children enter foster care in Minnesota. Safe Passage’s child fatality reviews have documented more than 200 child deaths over the past 10 years, and fentanyl was a primary cause in 20 to 43 percent of deaths in its last two reports.
Rachel Benzine, Guest Speaker
Safe Passage’s 2026 Work
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Published its child fatality report. Safe Passage was the first organization in the country to research and publish state child fatality reviews, and the report is cited by legislators and national child welfare researchers.
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Collected courtroom data on petitions to remove children from their homes. Early findings show parental chemical abuse in almost two-thirds of cases.
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Supported the bill that made exposing children to fentanyl a felony.
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Adapted the TEN-4-FACESp bruising graphic, which shows when bruises on young children may signal abuse, for a general audience, and advocated for posting it in child care settings.
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Worked with the Minnesota Department of Health on a handout that helps new parents recognize signs of abuse.
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Met with the Inspector General and staff at the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to improve how abuse in child care is reported and investigated.
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Pressed DCYF and legislators to identify and then seek the estimated $140 million in federal funds the state has left on the table.
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Advocated for continuing the volunteer guardian ad litem program.
“Children cannot advocate for themselves, so we have to advocate for them,” said Hollensteiner. “These children only get one childhood, and they deserve to be safe and to reach adulthood.”
Dr. Lisa Hollensteiner, Board Chair
“Opportunities like this to come together in person strengthen our mission and renew our fight,” said Crystal McNally, Executive Director of Safe Passage for Children of Minnesota. “In a room of 140 people who care deeply about kids, we’re reminded of what matters most to our community: keeping children safe. That energy carries us into the 2027 session.”
The breakfast also recognized Melissa DeBilzan and Karen Nestingen as Safe Passage’s 2026 Child Safety MVP Award winners.
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Melissa DeBilzan served two years as interim executive director of Safe Passage for Children of Minnesota. During that time, she drove key legislative wins, grew the organization, and raised awareness of child abuse across the state. She was recognized for her tenacity and dedication to keeping kids safe.
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Karen Nestingen has led the Support Group for Adult Survivors of Child Abuse since February 2021. About 50 survivors have attended the group since then. Karen is trained to facilitate the group through the Adult Survivors of Child Abuse organization, and she was recognized for her leadership and dedication to survivors.
“Being brave for the voiceless isn’t just something we say. It’s something real people do every day,” said McNally. “Melissa and Karen show us what that looks like.”
Left: Karen Nestingen Right: Melissa DeBilzan
McNally also introduced Protecting Childhood, Safe Passage’s $200,000 campaign to grow its impact. The campaign has three goals:
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Expanding research ($50,000): Build on the child fatality report and courtroom data work with added research staff, to show where the child welfare system is falling short for children.
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An online resource hub ($50,000): A 24/7 statewide resource where anyone can learn what abuse and neglect look like and how to report it, and where survivors and families can find support.
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Expanding awareness ($100,000): Billboards, digital ads, and radio so more Minnesotans can recognize abuse and neglect and know how to report it.
Safe Passage thanks its 2026 sponsors: Presenting Event Sponsor Storms & Dworak; Event Sponsor RBC Wealth Management – The Cove Capital Group; Host Sponsor the Minneapolis Club; and Premier Table Sponsors the Minnesota Catholic Conference, Mason LLC, and Sunrise Banks.
Supporters who want to stay involved can join Safe Passage at its Day at the Capitol on April 13, 2027, at the Minnesota State Capitol. Sign up below.