Claiming foster children as dependents for tax purposes
Foster parents and kinship caregivers may be able to claim children in their care as dependents for tax purposes. Foster parents and kinship caregivers should check with their tax advisor in these situations.
A child's social security number (SSN) cannot be released in all circumstances, and a court order may be necessary. If a foster parent or caregiver needs a child's SSN for tax and other legitimate purposes, they should contact the child's county social worker.
Tax resources for caregivers
More information can be found in the following resources:
Please join us on Saturday, May 17, for this year's foster care picnic! We want to thank our dedicated foster care providers in supporting our families and youth. Mark your calendar for an afternoon filled with games, prizes, lunch and more. The event will also include a resource fair for foster parents.
- Saturday, May 17, 2025
- 2-4 p.m.
- Veterans Park, 6335 Portland Avenue, Richfield, 55423
More information will be included in future Essentials.
It is that time of year again — time to start thinking about how to keep kids busy, and supervised, over the summer months. Start your research early as many programs reach capacity quickly. We have compiled a list of frequently used summer care options. If you are aware of any great resources not included here, let your licensor know so they can share with other families who are looking for summer care options.
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Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities: Many Boys and Girls Clubs have free or low-cost summer programming available. Contact your local Boys and Girls Club for more information.
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YMCA Summer Power: The YMCA offers preschool programs as well as programs for children kindergarten through fifth grade. Fees for children in foster care may be reduced by 40% if you apply for financial assistance.
- Local school districts and community education departments: Take a look at your local school district and local community education websites. They often have lower-cost childcare options for school-aged children during the summer. For example, Minneapolis Public Schools offers a Summer Scholars program for eligible students and Minneapolis Community Education offers a few different programs which vary in flexibility and cost.
- Local parks and recreation: Your local parks and recreation department may also have some opportunities for summer childcare. The Brooklyn Park Recreation and Parks department offers summer child care and has a sliding fee scale. Many communities have similar programs.
- Faith communities: Some faith communities, such as churches, mosques, or other religious organizations, may offer lower-cost summer programming as well. When researching these options, be cognizant of your responsibility to be affirming of each child’s religious and cultural identity. If you are unsure of a foster child’s connection to a faith community, talk with their parent or the child’s worker about what options are appropriate. Hospitality House in North Minneapolis is one example of a faith-based organization that offers low-cost summer childcare.
- Friends and family: If you plan on having friends or family help out with childcare for the summer months, talk with your licensor and the child’s worker so they are aware of the plans and can help you prepare for any foster care-related requirements.
For more information about summer care and camps, take a look at the Minnesota Parent 2025 Summer Camp and Programs Guide.
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Food allergies occur when the body reacts against harmless proteins found in foods. Allergies can occur at any age. Common food allergies are caused by these foods or food groups: cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, nuts from trees such as walnuts, fish such as tuna or salmon, or shellfish such as shrimp.
When the body’s immune system overreacts, the following symptoms might occur:
- Skin problems: Hives, itchy skin rashes, swelling
- Breathing problems: Sneezing, wheezing, throat tightness
- Stomach symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Circulation symptoms: Pale skin, light-headedness, loss of consciousness
Diagnosing food allergies
Your child’s doctor will try to figure out which food is the cause. There are skin prick tests or blood tests that can help narrow down the possible causes. These tests are not always reliable. Your doctor may refer your child to an allergist. An allergist has specialized training in diagnosing and treating food allergies.
Knowing if your child has a food allergy will help them have better health by choosing the right foods for their body. If necessary, avoid foods that cause food allergies:
- Food bought from a store: Read food labels carefully. Check them every time as ingredients can change. Words such as “natural flavors” or “spices” could include a variety of ingredients. Check with the manufacturer, if necessary.
- Food made at home: If the food your child is allergic to is used in your home, you must be careful not to mix it into your child’s “safe” food. Use clean utensils, plates, pans and serving trays. Do not store unsafe foods with safe foods.
- Food made in restaurants: Careful planning and clear communication with those preparing the food is very important. Let the restaurant know about your child’s allergy. Speak to someone who knows the ingredients and how the food is prepared.
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We can help! The Child and Teen Checkups staff are experienced in finding medical and dental clinics. We can help schedule appointments and set up transportation or interpreters when needed.
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Questions? Call or email us today!
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As foster parents, you know that most children in foster care return home to their families. Some are adopted by relatives or by their foster parents.
When these options aren’t possible, kids need loving and supportive adoptive families. Many waiting children in Hennepin County are school-age or teens, or part of a sibling group. Help us spread the word and find permanent families for these youth. We are in need of loving families, like yours, who are willing to be a mentor, respite provider, foster family, or adoptive resource for these youth.
About Ariyah
Ariyah is a kindhearted, sensitive 13-year-old. She loves her sisters fiercely and is a very loyal friend. Ariyah enjoys watching videos and having her hair and nails done. Ariyah likes Boba tea, music, and loves eating breakfast food any time of the day. Ariyah would thrive in a two-parent household or with a single mother. The ideal family for Ariyah would possess a strong understanding of trauma and be willing to utilize various services when necessary. It’s essential for Ariyah to maintain regular and frequent contact with her sisters, so the family must be dedicated and capable of facilitating those connections.
Please reach out to foster.adopt@hennepin.us if you are interested in learning more about Ariyah.
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Visit the one-stop child foster care license website created for foster parents to learn about training requirements and view the training calendar. Send all your requests for training registration to fostercare@hennepin.us
Car Seat Training
Foster parents transporting children under the age of eight must complete the Basic Education for Safe Travel (B.E.S.T) training. This training includes online Car Seat Basics followed by the in-person car seat check that must be completed within 30 days after finishing the Car Seat Basics online training. To complete these steps:
- Each foster parent in the home must complete the Car Seat Basic online training and receive a certificate.
- Once you receive your certificate, email fostercare@hennepin.us to register for your Car Seat Check. You must include a copy of your certificate in the email.
Minnesota's updated Child Passenger Safety Law went into effect August 1, 2024.The updated law is based on best practice recommendations that encourage caregivers and parents to get the full use out of their car seat by maxing out either the height limit or the weight limit, whichever your child reaches first, before moving to a larger car seat. Paying attention to these limits and when they have been reached is the safest thing you can do!
If you are having trouble keeping track of all the social workers and other professionals involved with children in foster care and their families, we've created a handy contact list you can use to keep track of each worker and understand their roles.
At Hennepin County, we have dedicated workers with specific expertise for the families we serve, their children, and those you will interact with as a foster care provider.
Social workers are involved at various times throughout the placement who each have a specific role. It is helpful to get a business card from the workers that visit. If you are not sure who someone is or their role, it is okay to ask for credentials and their contact information before you schedule a visit or disclose information.
Please contact your licensing social worker to receive the form so you can track the workers and their roles.
Send all Tickets for Kids ticket requests to hhs.cfs.recruitment@hennepin.us.
If you have any requests or questions about ticket opportunities, please reach out to this new email.
As a reminder, the following details are needed to successfully submit a request:
- Name of event
- Event location (if applicable)
- Preferred date & time
- Total number of tickets requested
- Number of adults attending
- Number of youth attending
- Ages of youth
You can view current ticket requests at Agency Portal - Tickets For Kids Charities.
Once you have read the Essentials, take the Essentials quiz to earn one hour of training credit. We will forward the quiz to your worker once we have received it.
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