May is National Foster Parent Recognition Month. In Minnesota, it is known as Foster Care Month. This is a time to honor our 4,690 family child foster parents who provide love, stability and family homes for 10,500 children and the 4,354 adult foster care programs providing care for vulnerable adults throughout the state.

Partnerships among county social service agencies, the courts and the Department of Human Services have enhanced services and decreased the number of children who are removed from their birth parentsí care. In 2005, approximately 72 percent of children who left out-of-home placement reunited with their birth parents, other relatives or primary caregivers. Another 6.3 percent moved to a permanent home with another relative.

Chisago County Human Services is looking for child and adult foster parents who can meet the physical, emotional, psychological, and basic needs of children and adults. If you are interested in becoming a child or adult foster care provider, please call Chisago County Human Services at (651) 213-5600.

Foster care requires that a family be licensed prior to caring for foster child or adult. The licensing process includes a review of the familyís personal background ñ including criminal background checks, medical, employment, and personal references, and a home safety inspection. A home study assesses each familyís interests, strengths, and compatibility for foster parenting.

Chisago County Health & Human Services is a public agency providing for the ad-ministration of state and federal programs in the areas of social service, financial assistance, child support, and public health related services to residents of Chisago County.