Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is seeking foster parents for children and youth in need.
Changes in child welfare practices and the rise of parental drug abuse have contributed to the increased need for foster families. According to the Minnesota Department of Human Services, on an average day there were approximately 10,050 children in foster care in Minnesota in 2018, up from 9,900 the previous year.
Children in foster care have experienced trauma. They need a safe home and supportive adult relationships to succeed, a key factor that helps children develop resilience, according to Harvard University researchers.
Foster parents can be single or married.
Following are some of the characteristics of foster parents that serve children and youth best, according to the Minnesota Department of Human Services:
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• Foster parents are flexible and can adapt to changing situations.
• Foster parents show love and care for children despite behavioral challenges.
• Foster parents are able to discipline consistently and with patience.
• Foster parents have a healthy sense of humor.
LSS Therapeutic Foster Care is a trauma-informed service that provides nurturing foster homes with therapeutic supports geared to the specific needs of each child. Those interested are encouraged to contact Brainerd area LSS Foster Care Coordinator Jill Leonard at 218-828-7379. More information can be found at fostercaremn.org.
For comprehensive information about the work of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, visit www.lssmn.org .
