When children age out of foster care, they face immense obstacles. Nationally, more than 23,000 youth who left foster care last year did so without any permanency. These youth are attempting to launch into adulthood without having a family to rely on for support, structure, advice or a place to come home to during school break.
In the U.S. only 3% of youth who age out of foster care will obtain a college degree in their lifetime. One in two will develop a substance abuse problem. Nearly 300 kids aged 12–18 are awaiting adoption in Minnesota right now.
The issue can feel overwhelming at times, and becoming a foster or adoptive parent isn’t right for everyone. There are still ways to help. Consider hosting a presentation by one of our Adoption Ambassadors. We’d be happy to join you in-person or virtually to educate others about foster care in Minnesota and how to become foster or adoptive parents, advocates, donors or volunteers.
Did You Know?
Children’s Home holds contracts with various counties around the state of Minnesota and with the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). These contracts help cover our expenses for services and are a great example of public/private collaboration. These contracts play a vital role in our ability to provide affordable Foster Care, Foster Care Adoption and Post Adoption services.
2021 MN DHS Foster Care Statistics
