Sometimes, families grow in unexpected ways. Such was the case for long-term Children’s Home donors Larry and Sue Turner. Just over two decades ago, their then 26-year-old daughter discovered she was pregnant and felt unprepared to raise a child on her own. The surprise came in the midst of an already challenging time: Larry was working in Texas and Sue was balancing her nursing career at home in Minnesota while caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s Disease. “Our family knew we needed some support. I remembered that a couple of my colleagues had worked with Children’s Home and had very positi ..read more

Raising a foster child or the child of a loved one can be rewarding, fulfilling, …and exhausting. We’re talking about exhaustion where even your eyelashes feel tired. Children removed from their homes have experienced profound loss, emotional turmoil, and likely traumatic events that are challenging for their young hearts and minds to process. Raising this foster or relative child and helping them heal from trauma, neglect, or abuse is the most demanding work you will ever do. It helps to fill your parenting toolbox with various tools to equip you for the journey, including self-care. Wha ..read more

Minnesota law regarding original birth records for adult adoptees is changing effective July 1, 2024. The new law allows adult adoptees access to original birth records and affidavits of nondisclosure signed by birth parents will become invalid. Foster Adopt Minnesota has created a resource hub of information to help you learn what this law change means for you. Click the button below to learn more. Minnesota Birth Records Law Change Resource Hub Questions & Answers What is your reaction to this new legislation? Our adoption organizations are strong advocates for open adoption because we ..read more

Maliyah is a kind, funny, creative, and upbeat teenager. Whether she’s creating beautiful art, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, or diving into her various extracurricular activities, Maliyah is a motivated and joyful teen. At school, Maliyah excels in art and English. She enjoyed participating in an after-school program called Beacons at the YMCA last school year, where she engaged in academic and artistic enrichment activities. She also participated in Juxtaposition Arts, where she was able to continue to develop her artistic talents and create new projects with mentors. Maliyah ..read more

Born in 1981 and adopted at two weeks old, Heather enjoyed a happy childhood in Maple Grove, Minnesota. Her adoptive parents explained her adoption to her early on, making her feel loved and special. “They always told me I was adopted and that I had grown in their hearts for a very long time,” said Heather. “From early on, I understood I had a birth mother, adoptive parents, and a spiritual father in God, and they all loved me. I felt very special.” Despite this, as a young adult, she yearned to know her birth mother. “My wish was to someday have her at my wedding.” In 2008, at 27, Heather con ..read more

Minnesota law regarding original birth records for adult adoptees is changing effective July 1, 2024. The new law allows adult adoptees access to original birth records and affidavits of nondisclosure signed by birth parents will become invalid. Questions & Answers What is your reaction to this new legislation? Our adoption organizations are strong advocates for open adoption because we believe that openness enhances child well-being and is generally in the best interests of all parties. We believe that information about a child’s adoption should be part of the child’s upbringing and kno ..read more

May is National Foster Care Month, a time to recognize the needs of youth in care and honor the important role that foster families play in the lives of children throughout the United States. “The nearly 370,000 children in foster care deserve to grow up in safe and loving homes that help them reach their full potential. During National Foster Care Month, we share our gratitude for the foster parents who show foster youth unconditional love and the biological parents who work hard to reunite with their children despite difficult circumstances. No young person should have to face the challenges ..read more

Avery is a friendly, creative, and fun teenager. His favorite subject in school is design class. He enjoys film and coding and has participated in an after-school craft club that involved sewing and working with fabric. Outside of school, Avery enjoys playing basketball, skateboarding, and swimming. He also loves reading (especially Manga books), playing guitar, and listening to music. Looking down the road, Avery hopes to have a career as a musician or video game coder. When thinking about what family means to him, Avery says, “Family are people you can trust, people who protects you, and peo ..read more

This article is brought to you by Creating a Family through the generous support of our friends at the Jockey Being Family Foundation®. They share our vision for providing education and support to strengthen families. Raising a child impacted by trauma, neurodiversity, or prenatal exposure can be much like any other parenting experience. You face the typical joys, like sweaty hugs, silly mispronunciations, and imaginary friends. You also deal with the everyday frustrations of messy rooms, missed homework assignments, and sibling rivalries. However, when your child is coping with the impacts o ..read more

Tamiea is a funny and outgoing 14-year-old girl who enjoys playing with dogs, going on walks, cooking, swimming, and doing her makeup. Her favorite subject in school is art class because she enjoys making arts and crafts. An ideal weekend for Tamiea would include going out to eat and doing a fun activity like visiting a museum, shopping, hiking, or watching a scary movie. She also loves spending time with animals. Tamiea and her Child Specific Recruiter, Hayley, often visit the Humane Society as part of their monthly visits. “She loves petting cats and dogs and giving them treats,” says Hayley ..read more