Foster care and adoption in Hennepin County
Kids in the foster care system
Ages of kids in foster care
Race and ethnicity of foster kids
Kids waiting for an adoptive family
18 kids out of 66 are 17 years old
Ages of kids waiting for adoption
Kids who are part of a sibling group that needs to be adopted together
See how people like you have helped kids in our community.
When kids can’t live with someone they already know, they are matched up with a licensed foster care provider.
People should expect to care for many kids before they have an opportunity to adopt a foster child.
Some kids are ready for adoption now. Most are 10 or older. Some need to stay with siblings. Meet the kids.
Kinship placement is when a relative or friend can care for a child. To help a kid you know, call 612-348-5437.
The life-altering decision to foster or adopt comes with incredible rewards and challenges. Our community needs foster and adoptive homes to affirm and reflect each unique child, including racial, cultural, and LGBTQ+ identities.
The first step: attend an information meeting. You’ll learn more about the foster care licensing process and requirements, and hear more about the children in need of foster homes and the concurrent adoption process.
The information meetings are for families wanting to foster or adopt children unrelated to them. If you are interested in fostering or adopting a child you already know, please call 612-348-5437 and select option 1.
To register, email fosteradopt@hennepin.us. Include the first and last name of all adult attendees, and the date of the meeting you want to attend.
After you register, we’ll send you more information and the link to the virtual meeting.
Information meetings are held 1-2 times per month. Upcoming dates will be posted when registration is available.
Children waiting for adoption
The first goal for children in foster care is to safely reunify with their families. If they can’t return home, some may be adopted by relatives or by their foster parents.
When these options aren’t possible, kids still need loving, supportive adoptive families.
Meet the kids in Hennepin County foster care who are waiting for permanent homes.
When you attend an information meeting, you will get the materials you need to begin the child foster care licensing process.
The process typically takes three to six months. It includes required paperwork, background check, training and home study. A social worker will help you through the process.
Once all licensing requirements are met, the county has 120 days to make a recommendation on your application.
The foster care licensing process is the first step for those open to concurrent adoption.