During Foster Care Month in May, we recognize the support and stability foster families provide for Minnesota’s children and youth who need temporary care.

Children in crisis often experience mental health challenges from trauma and family disruption. Mental and behavioral health is the most significant unmet health need for children and teens in foster care. As many as 80% of children in foster care have significant mental health issues, compared to about 20% of the general population.

In 2022, 11,235 children and young adults in Minnesota experienced out-of-home care (PDF). Minnesota counties and Tribal Nations are working to preserve family connections, with 62% of children in foster care in Minnesota placed with relatives.

Counties and Tribes seek foster families with expertise – or willingness to learn – to support children with trauma and other mental health needs. Culturally appropriate mental health supports that recognize the identity, culture and lived experiences of children and youth help make services and supports more effective and result in better long-term outcomes.