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Did you know that in Minnesota alone, hundreds of children are currently in need of foster homes?

What Is Fostering?

Foster families are families who are willing to commit to caring for, loving and nurturing children for a short time. These families provide emergency care to children whose parents cannot currently care for them. Foster families provide temporary care, until children can be safely reunified with their parents, or until an alternative plan for permanency can be enacted.

Who Can Become A Foster Family?

All kinds of families can care for our children. Foster parents come from backgrounds as diverse as the children they care for. Some are married; some single; some own a home; some rent; some have children; some are grandparents. The characteristics these parents all have in common are their love for children, an ability to commit to challenges and a desire to make a difference in children’s lives. You can apply for different license levels which will allow you to provide various types of care. These options include emergency care, respite, interim, group family, special needs and permanent. Regardless of the services you choose to offer, we need people who will be committed to helping the children— no matter what their circumstances may be.

Who Are The Children?

Children who need foster families come from all racial and ethnic backgrounds and range in age from infants to teens. They may need short-term foster parents to help them and their families while they are going through some difficult times.

How Do I Get Started?

The first thing you will need to do is contact us to indicate your interest. An initial packet including necessary forms and information can be obtained by calling Human Services or stopping in to request one. Once the application has been completed and returned, you will be contacted by a Social Worker. You should be aware that a background search will be conducted on all family members or others who may be living in the residence to ensure that we are placing children in a safe environment. A home study will be conducted to see that your residence will meet standard guidelines for foster parent licensing. Additionally, we will request that you participate in pre-service training which will help to prepare you for successful foster parenting. The trainings will focus on dealing with family systems, the impact of abuse and neglect, attachment and separation, cultural issues, discipline and permanency issues.

How Long Does The Process Usually Take?

Typically, you can expect it will take 3—6 months for you to become a licensed foster parent. This is due to the time that will be required for preparation, training and administrative activities which must take place prior to licensing.

Who Will Be There To Help?

We realize that support is critical, and we will be there for you. Foster families are provided with training and support to help meet their needs. Types of supports available include medical and dental coverage (for the children), financial assistance and other social services (counseling, family services, transportation, etc.) that may be necessary. In regard to financial assistance, you will be required to submit monthly vouchers indicating that you have cared for the child(ren) for the previous month. Foster care payments are based on a per hour rate with a daily cap. The amount you will be paid will vary dependent upon the difficulty of care of the child(ren) in your home. Finally, you can be assured that you will not be alone. You will be working with a team to care for the children including social workers, therapists, court representatives, family members, school professionals and others who have an interest in the wellbeing of the children in your care.