Foster-A-Teen is a program developed by Children’s Home in collaboration with Dakota County that seeks to place older youth in foster care in safe, stable, temporary homes. While we are currently looking to meet an urgent need for foster care in Dakota County, we are also looking for families all over the state of Minnesota who might be able to provide stable, safe, temporary homes for youth in need.
This program has been created to educate current and potential foster parents about the higher needs of older youth in foster care. Through the training process, caregivers will learn how to respond to the common needs and behaviors of teens in foster care.
Qualities We Are Looking For in Prospective Caregivers:
- A commitment to the training program and process.
- A dedication to the well-being of youth.
- An openness to participate in continued training and learning opportunities to gain a deeper level of knowledge about how to care for teens with complex needs, increase your hands-on parenting skills, and develop useful strategies for behavioral interventions.
- A willingness to seek out resources and supportive service for the teen in your care.
How You Can Foster a Teen:
- You must be foster care licensed through CH/LSS or Dakota County.
- If you are not yet licensed, you will need to attend our Foster Care & Adoption Education Class.
- Complete a series of online trainings. Note: You will gain access to the online trainings after your licensure has been verified.
Completing These Trainings Will Prepare You To:
- Better understand trauma, attachment, and mental health challenges teens in foster care face.
- Learn how to respond to the complex needs of teens in foster care in a therapeutic way.
Who Are the Teens in this Program?
While every child and situation is different, the needs and characteristics of youth in this program are generally as follows:
- May have experienced trauma, abuse and neglect, grief, loss, and disrupted attachments with caregivers.
- Have complex behavioral, emotional, and mental health needs.
- May be involved in juvenile corrections.
- May display behaviors including non-compliance, defiance, destruction, chemical use, theft, and running away.
- Need mentorship and guidance in building life skills, independence, and creating healthy relationships as they launch into adulthood.
Are You Ready to Begin Your Foster Care Journey?
Please complete this inquiry form to receive more information about this program and how to take the next steps:
This program is made possible from a grant between Children’s Home Society of Minnesota and Dakota County Social Services that seeks to respond to the need to provide homes for teens in foster care.
