There’s an urgent need for child foster families – and adoptive homes as well. In 2022, 11,235 children in Minnesota experienced out-of-home care.
For children who left out-of-home placement, 20 percent were adopted by families, according to the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
If you’ve ever wondered about fostering children or adopting children from foster care, here’s what you need to know:
•All kids deserve to be part of a safe, loving family. Children grow and learn when they feel secure.
•Be ready to care for children with special needs. While children may have mental health, developmental or physical challenges, a wealth of resources are available to support families and help children succeed.
•It takes more than love. Children come from a space of hurt. Time, patience and intention are needed to understand a child’s unique situation and provide support they need to thrive.
•Openness with biological family members, when that’s possible, provides opportunities for children to connect with their roots and enrich their lives.
•Financial assistance is available to care for foster youth and support children after adoption. There is also free access to college for Minnesota young adults who spent time in care.
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota and its partner organization, Children’s Home Society of Minnesota, have been working with families for over a century to equip them with the education and support they need to welcome children into their homes and lives through foster care and adoption.
For families who want to provide permanence for children in foster care, there is little to no cost for adoption, and there is support available before, during and after placement.
To learn more, visit chlss.org.