Open House Offered for People Considering Becoming Foster Parents

The Need for Loving Foster Homes in St. Louis County Continues to Grow

An average of 700 children are in foster care placements on any given day in St. Louis County.

That number, is rising dramatically.

Over the past few years, the issue of finding enough people to become foster parents has become more and more highlighted in the Northland.

On Thursday, St. Louis County social workers welcomed people in to their home, working to educate the public on foster care options, and requirements which must be met.

Foster Care Licensor James Ellingson said, “The need is out there I think it’s growing, the opioid addiction is high, so a lot of kids are coming in due to drug related and neglect issues.”

Foster home licensors were available on site at the workshop to meet one-on-one with people to answer questions and share information.

“It’s one of the most altering things you can do for your community, taking these kids and keeping them safe in the community. They don’t have to go to Grand Rapids or St. Cloud they can just be here and still be in their community, school district, things like that,” Ellingson said.

Anyone over the age of 21 can serve as a foster parent. Marital status, income level, culture or religion is not an issue in becoming eligible to jump on board.

Another meeting will take place in November during the evening, giving people who work during the day a chance to visit one of the sessions.