Recognizing National Foster Care Month

Olmsted County recognizes the important role we each have in a person’s well-being. During National Foster Care Month, we thank the foster parents, family members, volunteers, mentors, welfare professionals, and other members of the community who help adults, teenagers, and children in foster care find permanent homes and connections.

The 2023 theme for National Foster Care Month is Strengthening Minds, Uplifting Families.

“Foster families provide basic care needs and support the mental health and wellness of youth in their homes,” said Olmsted County Director of Child and Family Services Amy Rauchwarter.

Rauchwarter noted that Olmsted County has around 100 foster care homes. Work is underway to increase the diversity of foster homes to be representative of the children entering foster care, and the need for foster care providers in our community remains.

“We are looking for adults and families who can foster older youth, sibling groups of three children or more, children with special medical and/or mental health and behavioral health needs, and emergency or respite care,” said Rauchwarter.

There is also a need for more handicap accessible homes to support adults living with disabilities.

“While many may think of foster care for youth, foster care can also be a resource for an elderly individual or adult living with a physical disability who is no longer able to care for themselves in their homes,” said Olmsted County Director of Adult and Family Services Amy Thompson. “While we are fortunate to have several adult foster care providers in our community, we often struggle identifying family foster homes that are handicap accessible.”

Olmsted County has resources and support available to help residents interested in becoming foster care providers. Please visit our child foster care and adult foster care webpages to learn more.

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Media Contact: Emma Diercks, Communications Specialist, 507-328-6166