Is this foster care?
No, hosting is not foster care. The biological parent(s) maintain parental rights. The parent(s) decides if and when they want their child(ren) hosted. Hosting is a great way to support a family so that children do NOT end up in foster care.

How long is a hosting?
Hostings can be for one night, a weekend or longer. The majority of hostings are for a few nights, but some placements may last for weeks. When there are longer-term placements, other host families can step in to provide support, as needed.

Why do parents request a hosting?
Some may be homeless, so they’re looking for stable housing. Or they’ve experienced job loss and need support while they search for employment. Others may require hospitalization, or they’re going through a treatment program or serving a prison sentence. And some need a short break, because life as a single parent without supportive family can be overwhelming.

Do you have to say ‘yes’ to host when there’s a need?
No, you are not required to accept a hosting. Requests are sent to a group of host families; you’ll have the opportunity to reply if you are available. That said, life is busy, and there are not always convenient times to host. Including kids into your busy schedules often works out just fine!

Is it hard to send children home?
Yes, it might be challenging to send children home after your hosting. We have experienced host moms, who serve as our hosting liaisons. Their role is to check in with host parents, answer questions and discuss any difficult situations.

Do you get the same kids every time?
You might end up hosting the same child(ren), but that is not necessarily a guarantee. Together For Good will try to facilitate the same hosting arrangement if there is a mutual interest, and when this happens, it can be a sweet time of developing relationships with children and their bio parent(s).

Additional questions?
Email us at atrisk@grace.church.

Public Foster Care Agencies

Carver County
952-361-1654
www.co.carver.mn.us/departments/health-human-services/child-family/child-foster-care

Dakota County 9
52-891-7487
www.co.dakota.mn.us/HealthFamily/FosterCare/Pages/default.aspx

Hennepin County
612-348-5437
www.hennepin.us/residents/human-services/foster-care-adoption

Scott County
952-445-7751
www.scottcountymn.gov/213/Foster-Care-Licensing

Private Foster Care Agencies

Please visit www.mnadopt.org/fostering-network/next-steps/np-foster-care-agencies/ for a list of non-profit foster care agencies in Minnesota.

Community Resources

Children’s TherAplay
www.ctplaymn.com/
Numerous types of therapy to include physical, occupational, speech, feeding, treatment for sensory processing problems etc.

Evermore
www.evermorecommunity.org/
Encouragement, support & community for foster and adoptive families in the Twin Cities.

Family Attachment Center
www.familyattachment.com/
Offers a full range of mental health services, with a special emphasis on services for children.

Foster One
www.fosteroneministries.com/
Foster care wraparound support and a store house for supplies during the first few weeks of placement.

Foster the Love Minnesota
www.fosterthelovemn.org/
Creates placement bags for children when they are first assigned a foster home. They also provide support and extensive resources for foster parents.

MN Adopt
www.mnadopt.org
Minnesota Adoption Resource Network (MARN). MN ADOPT is dedicated to supporting and sustaining the families who foster and/or adopt Minnesota Waiting Children.

Reel Hope
www.thereelhopeproject.org/adoption-info/
Resources for families looking to adopt from Minnesota foster care and videos of waiting children.

River Valley Riders
www.rivervalleyriders.org/
Therapeutic horse riding program for people with physical special needs and/or mental health needs. Minimum age is 4 and rider needs a note from a doctor that says the person is able to ride a horse.

Safe Haven Foster Shoppe
www.safehavenfostershoppe.org/
Creates placement bags for children when they are first assigned a foster home. These bags are age, gender and size specific and are delivered to the child’s new foster home upon request.

Sunny Days Therapy
sunnydaystherapy.com
Provides speech and occupational therapy to infants, toddlers, children and young adults in a fun and motivating environment.

Websites

Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO)
www.christianalliancefororphans.org
CAFO unites more than 150 respected organizations and churches worldwide. They work together to inspire and equip Christians for effective orphan care, adoption, and foster care.

Empowered to Connect
www.empoweredtoconnect.org/
Free downloadable, professional resources, including Trust-Based Relational Intervention practitioners by location.

Focus on the Family
www.focusonthefamily.com/resources-adoption-foster-care/
Foster care resources, encouragement, and blog.

The Forgotten Initiative
www.theforgotteninitiative.org/resources/
Foster care and adoption resources & book recommendations.

Hope Connections
www.tohavehope.com/
Help for foster and adoptive families to form connections through education, coaching, and hands-on experiences so that these children and their families might experience healing and a new outlook for a positive future.

Texas Christian University, Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development
www.child.tcu.edu
Information on Trust-Based Relational Intervention.

Top Recommended Books

Beyond Consequences, Logic and Control, by Heather T. Forbes, LCSW and B. Bryan Post, LCSW

Faith, Hope, & Connection: A 30-Day Devotional for Adoptive and Foster Parents by Melissa Corkum & Lisa Qualls

Honestly Adoption: Answers to 101 Questions About Adoption and Foster Care by Mike & Kristin Berry

Transforming the Difficult Child: The Nurtured Heart Approach by Howard Glasser and Jennifer Easley

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson

Podcasts

The Adoption Connection (also applies to foster care)

Connected Families: Parenting Kids From Hard Places (Episode 45)

The Empowered Parent

The Honestly Adoption Podcast (also applies to foster care)

The Forgotten Podcast: Meeting you right where you are on your foster care journey

Why do children enter the foster care system?
Children enter the foster care system for several reasons when child welfare professionals become aware that their parents or caregivers are unable to provide care. Some common reasons include: neglect, physical/sexual abuse, and parental addiction or incarceration.

How long are children in foster care?
The purpose of foster care is to provide children with a temporary, safe home. Reunification is the goal; however, sometimes reunification is not possible and parental rights are terminated. At this point, the State will pursue permanent placement options for the child.

What are the requirements for becoming a foster parent?
The first step is to contact MN ADOPT’s Fostering Network to learn more about the licensing process and requirements in the state of Minnesota. After choosing either your country agency or a private agency to work with, you will complete a number of requirements, including an application and fact sheet, background study, home visit by a social worker, and training.

How long does it take to get certified as a foster parent?
The standard length of time from application to completion of the license is 120 days. However, this time may vary and could be longer depending on individual circumstances.

What support/training is available to me as a foster parent?
Specific training is required as part of the foster care licensing process and additional training is needed to renew your license each year. Also, OneLess would love to come alongside you as you consider fostering. We offer a support group, reimbursement fund, resource list, respite nights throughout the year, and practical resources such as clothing. For more information, please contact us at atrisk@grace.church.

Do foster children see their biological parents while they are in foster care?
What happens if foster children return to their biological parents?
Since the goal of foster care is reunification, foster children may have visitation with their family. The frequency of these visits will be established by the child’s social worker. If the biological parents have their parental rights terminated, then the child will be placed for adoption.

Can foster parents adopt their foster children?
If parental rights have been terminated for the child, the State will seek permanent placement options. While the final placement of the foster child is determined on a case-by-case basis, those interested in adopting from foster care should see MN ADOPT: Getting Started for more information.

Why should I choose to foster?
As Christians, we have a unique calling to care for those who are vulnerable. In Scripture, James teaches us that “religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world” (James 1:27). While not all of us are called to adopt, we are all called to “give justice to the weak and the fatherless” (Psalm 82:3). We encourage you to prayerfully consider the ways God is calling you to respond in obedience to this command.

Sources
MN ADOPT
MN Department of Human Services
MN ADOPT’s Fostering Network
Minnesota Child Welfare Training System
MN ADOPT: Getting Started
Adoption.org

Additional questions?
Email us at atrisk@grace.church.

International & Domestic Adoption Agencies

Adoption Minnesota
612-333-0489; www.adoptionmn.com/ Domestic Infant Adoption

All God’s Children Adoption Agency
877-431-5877; www.allgodschildren.org International Adoption- Placement agency only*

America World Adopting Agency (AWAA)
1-800-429-3369; www.awaa.org/ International Adoption- Home Study Services and Placement Agency*

Ampersand Families
612-605-1904; www.ampersandfamilies.org Foster to Adopt

Children’s Home Society/Lutheran Social Services
651-646-7771; www.chlss.org/

Domestic Infant Adoption, Foster to Adopt, International Adoption-Home Study Services and Placement Agency* CCAI Adoption Services
303-850-9998; ccaifamily.org International Adoption- Placement agency only*

Kindred Family Focus
612-331-4429; www.nexusfamilyhealing.org/nexus-kindred-family-healing/foster-careadoption-services Crisis Nursey, Foster to Adopt

Lifeline Children’s Services
205-967-0811; www.lifelinechild.org/ International Adoption- Placement Agency only*

New Horizons Adoption Agency
507-526-3518; www.nhadoptionagency.org/ Domestic Infant and International Adoption- Home Study Services and Placement Agency*

New Life Adoptions
612-746-5658; www.newlifeadoptionsmn.org/
Domestic Infant Adoption, Embryo Adoption

North Homes Children & Family Services
281-733-3000; www.northhomes.org/
Foster to Adopt

Nightlight Christian Adoptions
970-578-9700; https://nightlight.org/snowflakes-embryo-adoption-donation/ Embryo Adoption
*International adoption agencies only provide adoption services in certain countries. You may need to use a home study agency located in your state for home study services and another agency, called a placement agency, to coordinate the adoption in from your selected country.

Adoption Grant & Loan Programs

Abba Fund
www.abbafund.org
Adoption assistance for Christian families through interest-free adoption loans.

Both Hands
www.bothhands.org
Both Hands helps families fundraise for their adoptions. A family gathers a team of volunteers and Both Hands coaches them to coordinate a service project fixing up a widow’s home. Both Hands - One for the widow. One for the orphan.

Grace Church, Children-at-Risk Ministry
www.grace.church/at-risk/
Adoption scholarships used to support families within Grace Church that are adopting domestically or internationally.

LifeSong for Orphans
www.lifesongfororphans.org
Awards matching grants, interest-free loans, and creative fundraising tools and ideas.

Gift of Adoption
www.giftofadoption.org
Awards grants to support domestic and international adoptions.

Show Hope
www.showhope.org/
Awards grants to support domestic and international adoptions.

Kaitlyn’s Fund
www.katelynsfund.org/
Awards grants to support domestic and international adoptions to Christian couples.

Community Resources

Children’s TherAplay
www.ctplaymn.com/
Numerous types of therapy to include physical, occupational, speech, feeding, treatment for sensory processing problems etc.

Evermore
www.evermorecommunity.org/
Encouragement, support & community for foster and adoptive families in the Twin Cities.

Family Attachment Center
www.familyattachment.com/
Offers a full range of mental health services, with a special emphasis on services for children.

MN Adopt
www.mnadopt.org
Minnesota Adoption Resource Network (MARN). MN ADOPT is dedicated to supporting and sustaining the families who foster and/or adopt Minnesota Waiting Children.

Reel Hope
www.thereelhopeproject.org/adoption-info/
Resources for families looking to adopt from Minnesota foster care and videos of waiting children.

River Valley Riders
www.rivervalleyriders.org/
Therapeutic horse riding program for people with physical special needs and/or mental health needs. Minimum age is 4 and rider needs a note from a doctor that says the person is able to ride a horse.

Sunny Days Therapy
sunnydaystherapy.com
Provides speech and occupational therapy to infants, toddlers, children and young adults in a fun and motivating environment.

Websites

Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO)
www.cafo.org/
CAFO unites more than 150 respected organizations and churches worldwide. They work together to inspire and equip Christians for effective orphan care, adoption, and foster care.

Empowered to Connect
www.empoweredtoconnect.org/
Free downloadable, professional resources, including Trust-Based Relational Intervention practitioners by location.

Focus on the Family
www.focusonthefamily.com/resources-adoption-foster-care/
Foster care resources, encouragement, and blog.

The Forgotten Initiative
www.theforgotteninitiative.org/resources/
Foster care and adoption resources & book recommendations.

Hope Connections
www.tohavehope.com/
Help for foster and adoptive families to form connections through education, coaching, and hands-on experiences so that these children and their families might experience healing and a new outlook for a positive future.

How to Adopt
www.howtoadopt.org
Starting your adoption journey? This website helps you understand the process and find the resources that you need.

Loving Shepherd Ministry
www.loving-shepherd.org/adoption-resources/
Interested in taking the first steps of your adoption journey? LSM offers a variety of resources that will provide personalized guidance for you and your family.

Texas Christian University, Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development
www.child.tcu.edu
Information on Trust-Based Relational Intervention

U.S. Department of State- Bureau of Consular Affairs
www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/IntercountryAdoption.html
A comprehensive website that will guide you through questions about the requirements and process of international adoption broken down by country.

Top Recommended Books

The Adoptive Parent Toolbox by Mike & Kristin Berry

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk

Building the Bonds of Attachment by Daniel A. Hughes, PhD

The Connected Child by Dr. Karyn Purvis

The Connected Parent by Lisa Qualls and Dr. Karyn Purvis

The Whole Life Adoption Book: Realistic Advice for Building a Healthy Adoptive Family by Thomas Atwood and Jayne Schooler

Other Books

Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Church by Russell D. Moore

Adoption Is a Family Affair!: What Relatives and Friends Must Know, Revised Edition by Patricia Irwin Johnston

Adoptive Parent – Intentional Parent by Stacy Manning

Beyond Consequences, Logic and Control, by Heather T. Forbes, LCSW and B. Bryan Post, LCSW

Honestly Adoption: Answers to 101 Questions About Adoption and Foster Care by Mike & Kristin Berry

Thriving as an Adoptive Family by David Sanford

Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew by Sherrie Eldridge

Transforming the Difficult Child: The Nurtured Heart Approach by Howard Glasser and Jennifer Easley

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson

Podcasts

The Adoption Connection

Connected Families: Parenting Kids From Hard Places (Episode 45)

The Empowered Parent

The Honestly Adoption Podcast

The Forgotten Initiative Podcast: Meeting you right where you are on your foster care journey

What are the requirements for adoption? How do I find an adoption agency?
Specific requirements may vary by agency. Please see our resource list for agency information.

What is a home study?
An adoption home study is a family profile written by a social worker who has met with the adoptive family and can include information about family background, health and financial statements, and references. The home study process can take several months and once approved, is valid for up to one year in the state of Minnesota.

How much does adoption cost? Where can I find financial assistance to help with adoption costs?
Adoption costs may vary depending on the nature of the adoption (domestic vs. international, etc.). Generally, domestic adoption costs range between $20,000 and $35,000, while international adoption costs are estimated to be $30,000 or greater, depending on the agency and/or country. OneLess offers an Adoption Scholarship Fund for families within Grace Church who are adopting domestically or internationally.

What support/training is available to me during and after the adoption?
Many adoption agencies offer specific training for adoptive parents. Additionally, OneLess would love to come alongside you as you pursue adoption. We offer a support group, resource list, respite nights throughout the year, and practical resources such as clothing. For more information please contact us at atrisk@grace.church.

What is the difference between open and closed adoptions?
In a closed adoption, there is no contact between the birthparents and adoptive parents and child. In an open adoption, birthparents and the adoptive child may maintain contact.

What are the differences between domestic and international adoptions?
Some key differences between domestic and international adoptions include:

• Requirements: Eligibility to adopt internationally may vary depending on the country and may be more specific than domestic adoption laws.
• Cost: While fees for both domestic and international adoptions can be similar, additional costs such as travel (for international adoption) can vary.
• Travel: International adoption requires travel to the child’s country of birth that varies depending on the country. The trip could last anywhere from one to four weeks and may require multiple trips, depending on the country’s laws.
• Accessibility: In recent years, international adoption has become more challenging and less common as countries have closed their international adoption programs.

How long does it take to adopt a child?
The adoption timeline may vary depending on the type of adoption (domestic vs. international) and a number of factors including:

• When adoption trainings are available;
• Your speed in determining which agency you would like to work with;
• Your speed in completing the application paperwork and meeting foster care requirements;
• How long it takes for your chosen agency to assign an adoption worker;
• Your ability to meet with your adoption worker during business hours;
• Family openness to the needs of waiting children. Those who are open to sibling groups, older children and children with higher needs may experience a shorter wait.
• Background checks; clearance can take longer if you have lived in another state, or if you have a criminal history.

How do I adopt a child from foster care?
If parental rights have been terminated for the child, the State will seek permanent placement options. While the final placement of the foster child is determined on a case-by-case basis, those interested in adopting from foster care should see MN ADOPT: Getting Started for more information. 9. What is embryo adoption? When a couple undergoes In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), they often have remaining embryos. Some couples choose to donate their frozen embryos to a waiting family through an adoption agency. The adopted embryo is implanted and the adoptive mother gives birth to child, who is not genetically related to the adoptive family. For more information on Embryo Adoption, also known as Snowflake Adoption, see New Life Family Services and Nightlight Christian Adoptions.

Why should I choose to adopt?
As Christians, we have a unique calling to care for those who are vulnerable. James urges us that “religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world” (James 1:27). While not all of us are called to adopt, we are all called to “give justice to the weak and the fatherless” (Psalm 82:3). We encourage you to prayerfully consider what ways God is calling you to respond in obedience to this command.

Sources
MN ADOPT
MN ADOPT: Getting Started
Considering Adoption

Additional questions?
Email us at atrisk@grace.church.