adopted son and mom

Help a child. Heal a family.

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.

It takes a special person to give the gift of a stable childhood. Maybe you're the one.

 

Get the facts

Foster care and adoption in Hennepin County

Foster care

one thousand eight hundred and fourty five

Kids in the foster care system.

ages of children in foster care

Ages of kids in foster care

gender graphic

Gender of kids in foster care

race graphic

Race and ethnicity of foster kids. 24% identify as more than one race.

Source: Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department, January 1, 2018

Adoption

one hundred and fourteen

Kids waiting for an adoptive family

ages of waiting children

Ages of kids waiting for adoption

thirty six percent

Kids who are part of a sibling group that needs to be adopted together

Source: Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department, January 1, 2018

Ways to help

See how people like you have helped kids in our community.

Become a foster family

When kids can’t live with someone they already know, they are matched up with a licensed foster care provider.

Adopt your foster child

People should expect to care for many kids before they have an opportunity to adopt a foster child.

Become an adoptive family

Some kids are ready for adoption now. Most are 10 or older. Some need to stay with siblings. Meet the kids.

Care for a child you know

Kinship placement is when a relative or friend can care for a child. To help a kid you know, call 612-348-5437. 

Look at your life

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.

you

You

  • Are 21 or older, and financially, emotionally and physically stable
  • Have flexibility at work 
  • Are two years sober if you've had drug or alcohol treatment
  • Agree to a background check

your family

Your family

  • May be just you, or you and a partner or spouse
  • May include your own kids and extended family  
  • Supports your decision to foster or adopt
  • Is both stable and open to change

your home

Your home

  • Is located in Hennepin County
  • Has at least two bedrooms
  • Is near reliable transportation, by car or public transit
  • Can be rented or owned

Get started

Foster care

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.

Information sessions

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.

Tuesday, June 26
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Hennepin County Library – North Regional
1315 Lowry Avenue North, Minneapolis

Tuesday, July 10
6 to 8 p.m.
Hennepin County Library – Southdale
7001 York Avenue South, Edina

Wednesday, July 25
6 to 8 p.m.
Hennepin County Library – Maple Grove
8001 Main Street North, Maple Grove

Adoption

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.

ampersand logo

Ampersand Families

612-605-1904
2515 Wabash Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55114


Childrens home society and lutheran social service

Children’s Home Society and Lutheran Social Service 

651-646-7771
1605 Eustis Street
Saint Paul, MN 55108


kindred family focus logo

Kindred Family Focus

612-331-4429
2277 Highway 36 West, Suite #310
Roseville, MN 55113


north homes logo

North Homes

218-327-3000
1880 River Road
Grand Rapids, MN 55744

Training

Becoming a foster family

After you complete the foster care application process, we will tell you which courses you must complete.

View training dates and register online

 

Maintaining a foster care license

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.

View training dates and register online

Foster care support group

No registration necessary

 

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!

Location

Hennepin County Library – Brookdale (Creekside Room)
6125 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430

Dates and times

Group is held the last Wednesday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m.

Upcoming sessions:

  • June 27
  • July 25
  • August 29
  • September 26
  • October 24 (moved for Halloween)
  • November 28
  • No group in December

For questions about group, contact us at fostercare@hennepin.us.

Concurrent families support group

Location

Lenox Community Center
6715 Minnetonka Boulevard
St. Louis Park, MN 55426

Dates and times

Group is held the second Monday of each month from 6:30–8:30 pm.

Upcoming sessions:

  • July 9
  • August: picnic off-site
  • September 10
  • October 8
  • November 12
  • December 10

For more information and current speaker schedule, contact us at fostercare@hennepin.us.

Contact us

612-348-5437
fostercare@hennepin.us
adoption@hennepin.us

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