Contact:   Jessie Schunk, St. Louis County

218-749-9793 or  800-450-9777  Extension 7793

ST. LOUIS COUNTY NEEDS ADDITIONAL FOSTER PARENTS

There are children in St. Louis County who need foster care because their homes are not safe for them or because their parents are facing serious problems.  Some children need temporary care and will return home once the family problems are resolved.  Some children will not be able to safely return home and will need a permanent home with people who will be their “forever family”. 

WHO ARE FOSTER CHILDREN?

Foster children needing homes range in age from birth to eighteen years old and are from every ethnic/racial group including Caucasian, African-American, and Native American.  Some foster children have special needs and many struggle with separation from their families and adjusting to changing circumstances. 

WHO ARE FOSTER PARENTS?

Foster parents are people who may

-           be single or married or are partners

-           may be childless or have children

-           may rent or own their apartment or house

-           must be 21 years old

-           have a non-judgmental attitude toward the parents of children in their care

-           meet state licensing requirements regarding background checks, housing, safety, and space

-           represent all ages, income levels, and racial/ethnic backgrounds

-           are sensitive to the needs of children and their families

WHAT DO FOSTER PARENTS PROVIDE?

Foster parents provide food, clothing, shelter, love, stability, guidance, and discipline.

Foster parents drive children to prearranged visits with their family members or may have family members visit the children in their homes. 

Foster parents arrange for medical and dental appointments for the children in their care.

Foster parents work as part of a team that includes the child’s parents, social worker, guardian ad litem, teachers, mental health providers, and others involved in the child’s life.

WHAT KINDS OF HOMES ARE NEEDED IN ST. LOUIS COUNTY?

St. Louis County always needs nurturing, accepting foster homes for children in need of out-of-home placement.  At this time, there are specific needs for:

-           foster homes where siblings can be placed together

-           foster homes for adolescents in the Duluth School District

-           emergency and regular foster homes for children aged 0-5

-           culturally appropriate foster homes for African-American children

-           foster homes for all ages in Virginia, Hoyt Lakes, Aurora, Ely, & Cook

           HOW CAN YOU LEARN MORE ABOUT CHILD FOSTER CARE IN ST. LOUIS COUNTY?

          Please call Jessie Schunk at 218-749-9793 or 1-800-450-9777, extension 7793 for more information about getting started in the licensing support process.  

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