Social Medical History

In collaboration with youth, EVOLVE’s Child-Specific Recruitment (CSR) focuses on self-defined and age-appropriate permanency options. This includes permanency through adoption or kinship placements, as well as supportive services for youth who are not interested in permanency and are instead focused on transitioning to adulthood. EVOLVE’s CSR ensures these plans are developed alongside youth and are rooted in the youth’s own vision for their future.

At EVOLVE, staff provide personalized and lifelong support to youth and families across our programs. We practice with intention, serving individuals, families, and communities through an anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and equitable lens. EVOLVE partners with individuals of all ages, ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities, and family structures.

In partnership with counties and youth, EVOLVE supports the recruitment and permanency planning process. As part of this work, EVOLVE completes comprehensive Social Medical Histories to help honor and document each youth’s unique story.

Colorful abstract depiction of three stylized human figures holding hands, standing on a curved pink line.

What Is a Social Medical History?

A social medical history brings together important information about a youth’s life experiences to support permanency planning, caregiving, and long-term well-being. It helps youth and families better understand a youth’s background, relationships, and journey toward permanency.

This history may offer insight into:

  • Birth family and extended family

  • Siblings and important connections

  • Medical and health history

  • Placement history

  • Education and school experiences

  • History of trauma

  • The youth’s path toward permanency

Why It Matters

A social medical history can be an important tool for youth:

  • To better understand their past

  • To support identity development

  • To answer questions now or later in life

This document is designed to grow with the youth and support them across different stages of life.

How EVOLVE Completes the History

EVOLVE creates each social medical history using a thoughtful, youth-centered approach that may include:

  • Interviews with foster providers

  • Interviews with birth family members

  • Requests for relevant records and documentation

Our trained staff use trauma-informed interviewing techniques to develop a respectful, thorough narrative that reflects the youth’s lived experience.

Who Can Be Referred

  • Individual youth

  • Sibling groups

EVOLVE accepts referrals from Minnesota counties.

Timeline & Communication

  • Completion goal: Within 30 business days

  • Timelines may vary depending on record requests and availability of outside parties

  • EVOLVE provides regular progress updates throughout the process

Have questions or want to make a referral?
Contact EVOLVE to learn more about Social Medical Histories and how they support youth-centered permanency planning.

Return to Youth Services