As the number of children in the state’s foster care system has grown – from 11,500 in 2013 to 16,500 in 2018 – there is a greater need than ever for foster parents to provide temporary, critical care to children in crisis. The good news is, many people who might not think they qualify to be foster parents are actually eligible.

“During this time of great need for more foster parents, we want to dispel the myths about who can or can’t play this role,” said Human Services Commissioner Tony Lourey. “You can be married or single, homeowners or renters, with or without children. You don’t need to have a lot of experience, because we will provide training and offer support along the way. What’s most important is a commitment to ensuring children will be safe, loved and well cared for in your home.”

Minnesotans considering becoming a foster parent can learn more During Foster Care Month in May. Information and encouragement are available from the Department of Human Services and its partners: counties, tribes, licensed private agencies and nonprofit organizations.

Potential foster parents need to be licensed and approved, and the licensing process includes a background check and a home study. Training is available online in English and Spanish and in person through the Minnesota Child Welfare Training System. Financial support is also available, as is access to a variety of resources for successful foster parenting.

Counties and tribes consider placing foster children safely with relatives first, understanding the importance of preserving family connections. When that is not possible, counties and tribes seek to place children with foster parents of the same race, but that has become increasingly difficult. While more than 55% of youth in foster care in 2017 were non-white, only 30% of foster families were non-white.

“Minnesota needs a more diverse pool of foster parents to best meet children’s needs,” Lourey said. “Foster parents who are African American and American Indian are in especially high demand.”

Some children need foster care for a few days, some are in foster homes for years. The median length of time for children staying in a foster home was 297 days in 2017.

Last year, 58% of foster children leaving care were reunited with their birth parents or legal guardians, while 18% were adopted and about 11% moved in permanently with a relative or other caregiver.

“Our goal is always to return foster children home safely,” said Lourey. “In the meantime, we appreciate the many dedicated foster parents who step in to nurture, mentor and guide the children in their care.”

Adults considering foster parenting can get more information about the application process on the Minnesota Department of Human Services website.

Photo credit: LSS of Minnesota