HELPING CHILDREN AND YOUTH EXPERIENCING OUT-OF-HOME PLACEMENT IN MINNESOTA’S FOSTER CARE SYSTEM
Whenever possible children who are removed from parental care should remain in the care of relatives. If that is not possible, the remaining options are emergency shelter care, family foster home, or a group residential setting. According to the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), on an average day in 2019, there were 9,300 children in Minnesota’s foster care system. This increase has led to a greater need for licensed foster homes and an expansion of our services.
We are able to educate, license, and prepare families to be a resource for Minnesota’s children under state guardianship. The majority of expenses to becoming a foster care resource are covered by state and/or county contracts.
Ready to take the first step? Sign up for a Foster Care Adoption Orientation or Two-Day Class now.
The children in need of foster care
Children needing care have been removed from their biological families’ homes and have been placed under the care and supervision of the state. As a result of these experiences, children will likely have experienced trauma, abuse and neglect. The children may have emotional, behavioral and/or academic needs. Children may be part of a sibling group that needs to be placed together, or have siblings and other loved ones with whom they need to maintain connections.
Children of all ages and ethnic backgrounds are served in this program. According to DHS, the three most common reasons why children are removed from parental care in Minnesota are: parental drug use (32%), allegations of neglect (23%) and allegations of physical abuse (10%). Read the complete DHS Fact Sheet, Foster Care: Temporary Out-of-Home Care for Children.
support groups for foster care & adoptive families
We welcome you to join other families to learn from and support one another.
Childcare is available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Staff-Led Groups: For families who have children from the foster care system placed in their home for foster care or adoption AND families who have been or who are home study approved | Second Tuesday of every month | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. | 1605 Eustis Street, Saint Paul, MN 55108 | RSVP to emily.white@chlss.org
Parent-Led Groups: For families who have children from the foster care system placed in their home for foster care or adoption | Fourth Thursday of every month | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | 1605 Eustis Street, Saint Paul, MN 55108 | RSVP to becca.underhill@gmail.com
Note, during COVID-19 support groups are being held virtually
Working With All Families
We are dedicated to serving diverse families. Our foster care program is open to individuals and families regardless of marital status, sexuality, gender identity, gender expression, religion or race.
Single Parent Adoption and FosteringLGBTQ Adoption and Fostering
