Sometimes kids need a safe place to heal while families work through issues. If they can't return home, they need someone to care for them into the future.
Foster care and adoption in Hennepin County
Kids in the foster care system.
Ages of kids in foster care
Gender of kids in foster care
Race and ethnicity of foster kids. 24% identify as more than one race.
Kids waiting for an adoptive family
Ages of kids waiting for adoption
Kids who are part of a sibling group that needs to be adopted together
See how people like you have helped kids in our community.
When kids can’t live with someone they already know, they are matched up with a licensed foster care provider.
People should expect to care for many kids before they have an opportunity to adopt a foster child.
Some kids are ready for adoption now. Most are 10 or older. Some need to stay with siblings. Meet the kids.
Kinship placement is when a relative or friend can care for a child. To help a kid you know, call 612-348-5437.
The life-altering decision to foster or adopt comes with incredible rewards and challenges.
Successful foster and adoptive parents are patient and loving. They are team players and advocates for kids. They can love foster kids and let them go. Or they can commit to the long term and adopt them if they can't go home.
First, attend an information session where you will learn about foster care options and their requirements. This will help you decide if you are ready to take the next steps toward becoming a licensed foster parent.
Information meetings are for families wanting to foster or adopt children unrelated to them. If you are interested in fostering or adopting a child you already know, please call 612-348-5437 and select option 1.
After you attend an information session and return all the required paperwork, you will be assigned an intake worker. Your intake worker will let you know which training courses you must complete.
There are no fees to adopt a child whose parents have lost the right to raise them. A contracted agency will help you through the process.
612-605-1904 2515 Wabash Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55114
651-646-7771 1605 Eustis Street Saint Paul, MN 55108
612-331-4429 5985 Rice Creek Parkway #202 Shoreview, MN 55126
218-327-3055 1880 River Road Grand Rapids, MN 55744
After you complete the foster care application process, we will tell you which courses you must complete.
View training dates and register online
Foster parents must attend 12 hours of training each year to keep their licenses. Families who have adopted a Hennepin County child may also attend these sessions.
You can get support from other foster parents and exchange ideas and resources. Earn one training credit per visit up to 3 hours a year. You do not have to sign up – drop in any time!
Hennepin County Library – Brookdale (Creekside Room) 6125 Shingle Creek Parkway Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
Group is held the last Wednesday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m.
Upcoming sessions:
For questions about group, contact us at fostercare@hennepin.us.
Lenox Community Center 6715 Minnetonka Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Group is held the second Monday of each month from 6:30–8:30 pm.
For more information and current speaker schedule, contact us at fostercare@hennepin.us.
612-348-5437 fostercare@hennepin.us adoption@hennepin.us