Minnesota Makes It Easier For Foster Parents To Adopt

By Christina Rentz

Published on October 21, 2005

Currently, Minnesota foster parents receive approximately $1,100 per month for each foster child they care for. However, if the foster parents adopt the child, the financial aid cut in half. Because many foster parents are not wealthy, the decrease in money makes it very difficult for foster parents to afford to adopt.

Under the new program, foster parents who adopt, including relatives, will receive the same financial assistance they were given before the adoption. About 770 foster children from various counties throughout Minnesota who have been in foster care for at least six months and whose parents are no longer capable of caring for them will participate in the demonstration program.

For now, child welfare officials are planning on terminating the demonstration program in five years. However, if the program proves successful, it could be continued for another five years.

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