St. Louis County boosts foster parent recruitment efforts

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Public Health & Human Services Dept. • 320 West Second Street, Suite 605 • Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: (218) 726-2096 • www.stlouiscountymn.gov

Ann Busche
Director

NEWS RELEASE

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
October 29, 2015

CONTACT: Dana Kazel, Communications Manager

218-725-5049 (office) • 218-591-2219 (cell)


St. Louis County boosts foster parent recruitment efforts with new financial incentives; outreach meeting scheduled for Thursday

The number of children in need of temporary foster homes continues to increase across the state. In St. Louis County, out-of-home placements have hit record levels, with approximately 600 children in foster care on any particular day. This means the need for loving foster parents is also at an all time high. To best serve these children, St. Louis County is seeking culturally competent foster families from diverse backgrounds.

 

An informational meeting for people curious about or considering serving as a foster parent has been scheduled for Thursday, November 5, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Washington Center gym, 310 North 1st Avenue West in Duluth. County staff, as well as current foster families will be on hand to present information and answer questions. A light dinner will be served, and children are welcome. People planning to attend are encouraged to RSVP by calling (218) 726-2228 or email summersj@stlouiscountymn.gov.


"We hear so often people say, 'I've thought about doing foster care,' or 'I want to help but I don't think I have enough time.' Well, this is an opportunity to learn what it takes to be licensed," said Holly Church, Children and Family Services Division Director for St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services. "We are looking for families with diverse backgrounds from all parts of the County. You don't have to be married or wealthy or own a home. What we're looking for is people who can provide a safe and nurturing environment for children until they can be reunited with their own family."


Meanwhile, the St. Louis County Board today approved a series of financial incentives totaling up to $331,000 to help recruit and retain foster families. Those incentives include assistance with some of the start up costs for various required inspections and training, supplemental emergency rate dollars for families that qualify, start up vouchers to grocery stores for relative foster families, and bonuses for existing foster families who refer new people to serve as respite care providers.


More information is available online at stlouiscountymn.gov/childfostercare. Anyone interested in serving as a foster parent who is not able to attend the meeting can contact Joan Summers at (218) 726-2228 or email summersj@stlouiscountymn.gov. In northern St. Louis County, contact Jessie Schunk at (218) 471-7793 or email schunkj@stlouiscountymn.gov.         

 

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