Foster parents needed for kids
News | Published on May 29, 2026 at 1:11pm EDT | Author: frazeevergas
0May is National Foster Care Month
New data out this month from the Minnesota Department of Human Services reports that 9,070 children and youth experienced out-of-home care in 2025. People might be surprised to learn that 63% of children that need foster care live in Greater Minnesota.
Children’s Home, a subsidiary of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota and longtime leader in foster care and adoption, is seeking additional foster parents to care for children in need.
“Statewide, there is a shortage of foster families,” said Candy Picka, foster care supervisor for Children’s Home. “There is an urgent need to find families willing to open their hearts and homes to children and teens at a critical time in their lives.”
Each child is unique, but there is a particular need for foster parents who are reflective of the varied backgrounds and heritages of the children in care, those who are able to keep sibling groups together and those open to providing care to teens, according to the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families.
Jessica McLaughlin and her husband, Tim Wright, began their journey as foster parents by providing weekend respite care for a teen girl who eventually came to live with them full-time. They have since opened their home to two other teenagers.
“We continue to foster teenagers specifically because teenagers seem to be a group that some providers shy away from,” Jessica said. “Our experience has been great with the kids that we have had, and we have learned a lot from having young people around!”
The couple shared that they try to provide experiences that most kids have with community and school events. They added that a good support system of friends and family has come in handy as well.
They also feel supported by county professionals and the team from Children’s Home.
Children’s Home provides a range of services based on the unique needs of each child to ensure that they have the individualized support they need to build healthy relationships and flourish in the community.
Comprehensive, ongoing training for foster parents also promotes high quality care and ensures they have the support needed to be successful in creating a safe and stable environment where children thrive.
“It’s emotional and stressful for children to leave their home,” Picka said. “Foster parents who offer a welcoming, nurturing and supportive environment can make all the difference. We’re there to walk with them every step of the way by providing support, guidance and training.”
Children’s Home is seeking foster parents who are willing to listen, provide support and help children create healthy relationships in their families and communities. Flexibility, patience and a healthy sense of humor are also ideal characteristics for foster parents.
To learn more about becoming a foster parent, visit chlss.org/fostercare, email welcome@chlss.org or call us at 651.646.7771.
Children’s Home was founded in 1889 to provide loving, stable homes for children in need. Our mission is to help children thrive; and to build, strengthen and sustain individual, family and community life. We recognize adoption is lifelong and offer support before, during and after placement. Our adoption programming includes infant, international and foster care adoption. Additionally, we provide foster care programming, pregnancy services and post adoption services. To learn more visit chlss.org.