Complete the Essentials quiz at the end of this newsletter to receive one hour towards your annual training credit!
Foster parents in Minnesota are required to have a working phone in their residence at all times. There is frequently confusion about what this requirement means. Please review the information below and ensure that you have what is necessary. If you are unsure or have any questions, please talk with your licensing worker.
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Options for meeting the operable telephone requirement
- A landline telephone, OR
- A cell phone that remains in the home and charged at all times
- There must always be minutes available on the cell phone so that someone in the home can make a call in the event of an emergency.
- You should confirm that the cell phone has GPS capacity, so that emergency responders can locate the residence.
Items that do NOT meet the requirement
- Smart speakers (e.g. Alexa or Echo) which are dependent upon a power source and Wi-Fi.
- Non-active cell phones with no plan or minutes. Even if the phone could call 911, this would not meet the requirement.
Whether you are using a landline or a cell phone, the phone must always be in a location that is accessible to the children you foster and to others in the home.
Being a foster parent is a big job and can be challenging at times. We encourage foster parents to use respite care to take a break. With the holidays approaching, we want to provide a reminder that respite care during the last two weeks in December will not be approved. It is very difficult for children to be in an unfamiliar respite home for the holidays. In addition, there are few foster homes available for respite placements in the last two weeks of December.
For additional guidelines and information on respite care, please reference page 34-37 of the Foster Parent Guide.
Shop for gifts from Christmas with Dignity on December 12
Hospitality House Youth Development will be open Friday, December 12, for guardians to "shop" for their children. As a foster parent, you can shop at a designated time slot to purchase donated Christmas gifts for one-tenth the original price.
Registration begins Monday, November 3
You must live in the following zip codes to register, and be able to show a photo ID plus a birth certificate for each child:
- 55443
- 55444
- 55428
- 55429
- 55430
- 55412
- 55422
- 55411
Please do not register if you do not live in these zip codes.
More resources from Foster Adopt MN
Foster Adopt MN's Foster Adopt Shop has year-round free shopping experiences for the foster care community. Contact Foster Adopt MN to learn more about how they can assist you with supplies, clothing or goods.
November is a time to give thanks—and we are thankful for you. As a foster parent, you give children of all ages a safe place to grow, heal, and feel loved. That is a powerful gift.
Every child is different. Some are little and learning to walk. Others are teens finding their way. No matter their age, your care makes a big difference.
Here are a few simple ways to support their health and well-being:
- Healthy food: Good meals help kids feel better and think clearly. Try to include fruits, vegetables, and water every day.
- Sleep and structure: Kids and teens do best with routines. A regular bedtime and daily schedule help them feel safe.
- Time together: Whether it’s playing, talking, or just sitting nearby, your time shows them they matter.
- Listening ears: Let them share their thoughts and feelings. Even if they don’t say much, knowing you care helps them feel seen.
- Kind words: Encouragement builds confidence. A simple “I’m proud of you” can mean the world.
- Vaccinations: Make sure your foster child is up to date on their shots. Vaccines help protect them—and others—from serious illness.
- Checkups: Schedule regular doctor and dentist visits. These checkups help catch problems early and keep kids healthy as they grow.
If you need help getting the child you foster in for their medical and dental checkups or getting their vaccines, Child and Teen Checkups is here to help. You’ll find our phone number and email address below.
And remember—you need care too. Take breaks, ask for help, and talk to others who understand. You are not alone.
This November, we honor you. Your love brings hope. Your home brings healing. Thank you for being a steady light in a child’s life.
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Questions? Need help? 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.
Ronald (16) is a bright and joyful youth with an insatiable curiosity and a heart full of wonder. Ronald's inquisitive nature leads him to ask thoughtful questions and engage deeply in fun activities, always eager to learn and connect with others. Music is one of Ronald's greatest passions. He loves listening to iconic artists like Michael Jackson, Prince, and Queen. When his favorite tunes play, you'll find Ronald dancing and singing along with pure delight! His love for music is infectious and brings joy to everyone around him.
Ronald is also a creative and hands-on individual. He enjoys playing video games, assembling intricate Lego sets, and building various projects. His active lifestyle includes playing basketball and going fishing, where he can enjoy the great outdoors. Summer is Ronald's favorite season, especially because it means camping adventures! He loves ziplining, exploring playgrounds, and experiencing the thrill of the outdoors. In his free time, Ronald has a soft spot for animals and enjoys visiting local animal shelters, where he can spend time with furry friends.
Ronald's joyful spirit, curiosity, and love for life make him a wonderful companion. He is ready to bring his vibrant energy and warm heart to a loving family who will cherish and support him.
Please reach out to fosteradopt@hennepin.us if you are interested in learning more about Ronald.
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Hennepin County licensor, Lauren Goldfine, connected with Sharonda about her foster care experience. Read more about the connections she makes with the children and families in her care.
What initially inspired you to become a foster parent?
My daughter and I had begun visiting colleges during her junior year of high school. We were visiting Spelman college, and the thought entered my mind: "What am I going to do now?" I felt like I wasn't done and I wanted to help "raise" more kids in preparation for their next steps.
What do you find most rewarding about fostering?
It is when kids realize we have so much more in common than they initially thought. For example, some of the holiday traditions, the way the house smells when cooking a familiar meal. Or, taking them on vacations to explore other parts of the globe, while making new memories. When kids are initially placed, they are afraid, scared, and they have their guards up. The moment they realize I'm just like them, that is rewarding for the both of us.
How has fostering impacted your family dynamic?
My parents are always excited to meet the kids! I'm the middle of 3 girls, and the only one with kids. There are no other young kids in my immediate family. My parents enjoy being foster grandparents, my two adult kids are often giving the kids some good advice, and my two Shihtzu enjoy giving kids that puppy dog love. Fostering has positively impacted my family dynamic!
Do you feel like you are making a difference in the lives of the children you foster? What about their families/parents?
In the grand scheme, yes I know I'm making a difference. I will also add there are times the kids test you, and test you, and test you! It is during those times I have asked myself, "Girl, what are you doing, and who do you think you are?" LOL! The families are at times difficult, and I get it. And it is through my actions they see that I am genuine, and we really are on the same team, we are simply playing different positions.
What support system do you rely on to manage the demands of fostering?
Having a support system is why I am able to foster. I rely on my licensing worker, the social worker, my community, my immediate family, my employer. I rely heavily on my supports, like really, I lean on them quite often!
What are the most important things you try to provide for the children in your care?
A welcoming home filled with positive energy, love, structure and support.
Do you have any advice for someone considering becoming a foster parent or to newly licensed foster parents?
Whew...! Listen, you will have beautiful days and challenging times. Build a relationship with your Hennepin County support system, tell them how you're feeling and let them know what you need. Connect with other foster parents. Build up your support system! Let your social worker know you're interested in partnering with a Peer Support Parent (PSP). Fostering really is rewarding, I enjoy being able to stand in the gap for kids in my care, as I prepare them for their next steps!
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Are you in need of a car seat?
If you are a relative provider in need of a backless boaster seat for a foster child in your care, please let your licensing worker know. The training coordinator has a limited number of backless boaster seats available on a first come first served basis. You must have a completed or a scheduled car seat training to receive the seat.
Are you up to date on your annual training requirements?
Each year after your initial license, foster parents are required to complete 12 training hours minimum that must include the training below:
- 5 hours minimum from the Virtual 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.
Send all your questions and requests for training registration to fostercare@hennepin.us
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Once you have read Essentials, take the Essentials quiz to earn one hour of training credit. We will forward the completed quiz to your licensing worker once we have received it.
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