Foster parent information session scheduled for Nov. 17

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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

Linnea Mirsch
Director

NEWS RELEASE

 


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
November 3, 2016

CONTACT: James Ellingson, Foster Care Licensor

218-726-2168


Considering serving as foster parent? Open house offers information. 

An average of 700 children are in out-of-home placements on any given day in St. Louis County, and there is a constant need for temporary foster homes, as well as short-term/emergency homes, and foster/adopt homes.


With this need remaining so high, St. Louis County social workers will host another open house and information session for people considering serving as foster parents on Thursday, November 17, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., in the Government Services Center, 320 West 2nd Street in DuluthFoster 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.

 

"We tried this open house format a few months ago, and got a good response," said James Ellingson, a foster care licensor for St. Louis County. "People appreciated the informal, no-pressure setting to get their questions answered and to gain a better idea about whether opening their home and providing a safe and stable place for children in crisis is something they could do. It's a big decision to make, and we want to be available to assist as much as possible."


The number of children in out-of-home placements 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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