May is Foster Care Month and the Department of Human Services is highlighting those foster families that provide care and stability to children in crisis.
As many as 80 percent of children in foster care have significant mental health issues, compared to about 20 percent of the general population.
In 2022, 11,235 children and young adults experienced out-of-home care.
Sixty-two percent of children in foster care are placed with relatives, but many county and tribal agencies still need more foster parents, particularly those who can help meet children’s mental health needs.
Foster parents may be licensed by their county, tribe or a private placement agency.
For more information:
- Visit the Department of Human Services’ webpage on steps to become a foster parent.
- Visit the Foster Adopt Minnesota Fostering Network webpage for background on becoming a foster parent, and check out an online tool to locate potential licensing agencies.
