Parents and caregivers (i.e. foster parents, relatives) have been critical to the roots of Quality Parenting Initiative-Minnesota through their expertise and willingness to work together with other key stakeholders. This session’s panel is comprised of those individuals with lived experience and the workers who are supporting change to “business as usual” mentality in foster care. Research upholds that reunification efforts are improved and lower return to foster care occurs by the lasting connections developed with the child and families. This presentation will identify how strengthened communication and relationships between parent and caregivers is key to the child/youth’s time in out of home placement. Participants will learn how intentional shared leadership in identifying best practices has led to relevant and needed change in areas of the child welfare community.