Foster parents needed for kids

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is seeking foster parents to partner in caring for children and youth in need.

If you are interested in making a difference in children’s lives, consider becoming a foster parent.

On an average day, there were approximately 8,600 children and young adults in care in 2020, according to the most recent information available through the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Jodi Raidt, statewide program manager with LSS Therapeutic Foster Care, said the need for foster parents remains great.

“We are in the process of recruiting foster parents statewide,” Raidt said in a news release. “We hope that individuals and families who have been considering this opportunity will take this time to learn more. Fostering is a rewarding experience and to have someone step forward and provide a safe and caring environment can be life-changing.”

LSS Therapeutic Foster Care provides a spectrum of services based on the unique needs of each child, ensuring that all children in care have the individual support to build healthy relationships and skills to meet their specific needs. Foster parents receive ongoing education to care for children and trained professionals are available to answer questions or offer support 24/7.

LSS can provide weekly support from a mental health practitioner. As a foster parent, you can help children and families as they build resilience and stabilize.

“Supporting teenagers in foster care is about giving them the opportunities they need to thrive,” Cassandra Carpenter, who worked with LSS Therapeutic Foster Care to gain her foster care license, said in the news release. “Things aren’t always perfect but getting to celebrate their successes with them is an amazing feeling.”

Families and individuals who provide foster care can have different household structures and come from diverse backgrounds. LSS seeks prospective foster parents who are willing to listen, support and create positive relationships in their families and communities. Flexibility, patience and a healthy sense of humor are also ideal characteristics for foster parents.

Lutheran Social Service invites anyone interested in becoming a foster parent to attend the organization’s online information session at 5 p.m. Monday, May 16. The session will offer information about LSS’ foster care services, the licensing process and how you can foster Minnesota children.

Registration is available through a link at lssmn.org/events or fostercaremn.org/training.

Learn more by contacting Jodi Raidt at fostercare@lssmn.org or 612-499-5990, or by visiting fostercaremn.org.