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Since 1988, the U.S. government has recognized May as being National Foster Care month. This is to show great appreciation and gratitude to those people, foster parents, across the nation that provide a safe environment for children that cannot live with their families.

According to the Minnesota Department of Human Services, there were 11,235 children in Minnesota who experienced foster care in 2022.

Children are most often placed into foster care due to no fault of their own. Caretaker drug abuse, allegations of neglect and the mental health needs of the child were the main reason for out of home placement of children in 2021.

Freeborn County has approximately 31 child foster homes, with 12 of those homes being licensed to provide care to relatives. Relatives are required to go through the same licensing process that is required of nonrelative providers.

There is a need for foster homes in the nation, in the state and in Freeborn County. If you feel that you might be someone that could make a difference in a child’s life by becoming foster parent, contact the Freeborn County Department of Human Services foster care licensor at 507-377-5469 to get more information.

Foster parents can help change the story of a child’s life, opening up a lifetime of new adventures and possibilities for them to enjoy during this lifetime.