Foster Care: Provide a Safe, Hopeful Future for Youth
We believe every child needs a safe place to live, and caring, supportive relationships to thrive.
The need for safe and supportive homes for children in transition continues to grow. In 2018, about 6,700 Minnesotan children entered foster care. The number of children in Minnesota foster care on an average day rose 14% from 2016 to 2018, with estimated 10,050 children in out-of-home placement daily.
We serve:
- Youth from infancy to age 18 who are in need of out-of-home care
- Youth and young adults with therapeutic needs
- Young adults aged 18 - 21 who meet certain eligibility requirements
Our goal is to reunify children to their family and community whenever possible.
In the midst of COVID-19, we are taking every precaution to keep families and youth safe while continuing to license new foster families. Information sessions and many trainings are available online. We currently have a great need for families able and willing to provide short-term respite care, foster sibling groups, school-aged children, older youth, and who are supportive and affirming of LGBTQ youth.
Become a Foster Parent
Information on how to become an LSS foster parent, parenting options, and support and training resources.
Children in Foster Care
Children in foster care are most often removed from their homes due to parental abuse, neglect or substance abuse. They may have academic, behavioral, emotional, medical or social needs related to the effects of trauma. They need a safe home and supportive adult relationships to succeed.
Current Foster Parents
Educational and training resources, access to forms and other information to support you in fostering the children in your care.
Social Workers and Child Advocates
Access to forms and referral information, contact information and other resources
For Youth in Foster Care
Resources for youth, stories about other kids in foster care, contact information for help, and other useful information.
Attend an Information Session
We have currently suspended all in-person information sessions to safeguard the health and well-being of our communities. To find out more about becoming a foster parent, you can attend a webinar, including our pre-recorded webinar listed below. You can also contact your local foster care coordinator for more information.
Informational Webinars on How to Become a Foster Parent
Our webinars covers the basics for becoming a foster parent in Minnesota. Topics include who is eligible to become a foster care provider, how to become licensed, the children in foster care, foster parenting options and resources available to foster parents.
Previously recorded webinar: Watch Now
Online Information Session
When: July 29, 2020
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m .
Presented by: Kris Hanson, Duluth Area LSS Foster Care Coordinator
For information on foster care services in your area contact your local foster care coordinator.
Serving all Families
We are committed to being welcoming and inclusive to everyone. Our services are available to individuals and families regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or marital status.
