Families
Foster Care

Foster Care: Provide a Safe, Hopeful Future for Youth

two girls sitting on grass

We believe every child needs a safe place to live, and caring, supportive relationships to thrive.

Children need safe and supportive homes to thrive. On an average day in 2020, there were approximately 8,600 children and young adults experiencing out-of-home placement in Minnesota foster care. 

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.
 

Submit interest form

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 or Training Session

During the ongoing pandemic, 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.

View Foster Care Information Sessions and Trainings

Licenses, Accreditations and Affiliations

Minnesota Department of Human Services logo

Council on Accreditation logoAspire MNQuality Parenting Initiative Minnesota logo

For information on foster care services in your area contact your local foster care coordinator.

Contact

LSS Therapeutic Foster Care

Serving all Families

We are committed to being welcoming and inclusive to everyone, serving all families.

Nondiscrimination Statement

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota services are available to all people regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability or age.

Los servicios de los Servicios Sociales Luteranos de Minnesota están disponibles para todas las personas independientemente de su raza, color, credo, religión, origen nacional, sexo, orientación sexual, discapacidad o edad. Si necesita servicios de asistencia lingüística, háganoslo saber. Son gratuitos.

foster kids with parents
“Foster care is special because even though you may only have a child for a short time, you have the opportunity to make sure that time is loving, happy and safe — to let the child know they have a caring adult during a difficult time.”