Supports are available for Hennepin County youth who are experiencing barriers to success. We partner with programs like Avivo that can help youth build work readiness skills and access employment and training opportunities. Avivo offers: 

• Job search assistance
• Transportation assistance
• Paid internships
• Diploma and GED support
• College and career planning 
• Short term, credentialed training options such as:
• Nursing Assistant
• Forklift Operator
• IT Support

For more information visit Avivo's youth and young adult employment and training website.

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.

Rihanna (14) is friendly, adventurous, and helpful. She is open-minded and enjoys trying new activities and hobbies. As an active teenager, Rihanna enjoys spending time outside. Some of her favorite outdoor activities include riding bike, swimming, boating, jet skiing, tubing, and camping. She had her first ATV experience last summer and enjoyed it. When not being adventurous, Rihanna enjoys spending time with her friends, playing video games, doing her hair, taking pictures, and listening to music. She can often be found roller skating and going to the movies with her friends. Rihanna enjoys running and has an interest in joining the track team. Some of Rihanna’s favorites include stuffed animals, shrimp fried rice, sushi, ice cream, Chick-Fil-A, Benihana, and Taco Bell. She is not a fan of cheese. Rihanna has connections in the Metro area that she would like to maintain.

Please reach out to fosteradopt@hennepin.us if you are interested in learning more about Rihanna.

Hennepin County licensor Sunita Persaud interviewed Josephine Dorsey who has fostered for over 30 years. Read her inspirational comments below.   

What initially inspired you to become a foster parent?

From the very young age of 12, growing up in Mississippi, there were children in my neighborhood that were struggling with poor hygiene, including hair care. I started a hair combing care time for several children. I could see sadness in their faces and decided to do something about it. We made it fun and at the same time I could see how it lifted their spirits. After moving to Minnesota and in my adulthood, I started mentoring a few of my daughter’s high school friends. One of their mothers suggested that maybe I should do foster care. So here I am, thirty years later.

What do you find most rewarding about fostering? 

It has been one of the most rewarding times in my life putting effort into helping develop and shape their future. Many of the individuals I fostered have stayed in touch with me and I have had the opportunity to meet their children and even their grandchildren.

How has fostering impacted your family dynamic?

Fostering has definitely strengthened my family by being more thankful, showing compassion for those in need, and understanding the difficult circumstances children in foster care face.

Do you feel like you are making a difference in the lives of the children you foster? What about their families/parents? 

Yes, without a doubt. My goal from the start was to make a lasting impact on a child’s life. I realized early on that a child will test you to see if you are in it for the long haul and not just the money. Having their family/parents involved whenever possible and deemed to be safe is good for the child, as long as it aligns with the case plan and courts. It's very important to their emotional well-being in dealing with issues of abandonment, anxiety, and having a parent in their life.

What support system do you rely on to manage the demands of fostering?   

My support system consists of family, social workers, mental health services, church, resources for foster families, etc.

What are the most important things you try to provide for the children in your care? 

A safe and stable environment, clear boundaries with consistent rules to provide structure and a sense of order, and never forgetting to show human kindness and love. It is also important to spend quality time in getting to know the children in care, being a good listener and role model, and treating them with respect. And of course, it’s essential to provide day-to-day care.

Do you have any advice for someone considering becoming a foster parent or to newly licensed foster parents?

Get as much information on the child’s past as possible to gain insight and learn from their experience. Be patient and understand that children may have emotional and behavioral challenges from past experiences. Try to understand the reason for their behavior.

It’s rewarding but can be a challenging journey. It’s very important to maintain and establish healthy boundaries.

Set aside time for your own well-being and seek help when needed.

Are you up to date on your annual training requirements?

Each year after your initial license, foster parents are required to complete a minimum of 12 training hours that must include the trainings listed below:

• 5 hours minimum from the in-person training options listed on training calendar
• 1 hour minimum of Mental Health
• 1 hour minimum of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
• Mandated Reporter

Visit the child foster care licensing website created for foster parents to learn about training requirements and view the training calendar.

Email all your questions and requests for training registration to fostercare@hennepin.us.