NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 3, 2016
CONTACT: James Ellingson, Foster Care Licensor
218-726-2168
Open House offered for people considering becoming foster parents
The need for loving foster homes in St. Louis County remains at an all time high. To make it easier for people considering serving as foster parents to learn what it takes to be a foster parent, county social workers are hosting an open house and information session on Thursday, August 11, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Government Services Center, 320 West 2nd Street in Duluth.
The County is in constant need of temporary foster homes, as well short-term/emergency homes, and foster/adopt homes. Foster home licensors will be available to meet one-on-one with people to answer questions about foster care options and the requirements. There will be no formal presentation, so people can stay for whatever length of time fits their schedule.
"Becoming a foster parent is a big decision and it's typical for people to spend time thinking about it before beginning the process," said James Ellingson, a foster care licensor for St. Louis County. "We're trying something new, holding an open house mid-day, because we want to make ourselves available for people who may work in the evenings, or have a full time job during the day who want to come for a while during their lunch hour."
An average of 700 children are in out-of-home placements on any given day in St. Louis.The number has risen dramatically in recent years. Meanwhile, the complexity of their situations, often due to parents' drug addictions and/or mental illness,has resulted in children having to remain in foster care for longer periods before they can be safely reunited with their families.
Anyone over the age of 21 can serve as a foster parent. Marital status, income level, culture or religion does not matter. For questions about the open house, or about the requirements to be licensed as a foster parent, visit stlouiscountymn.gov/childfostercare or call (218) 726-2168.
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 A foster family from northern St. Louis County enjoys time in the park with their biological and foster children. (Photo from 2014.)
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