Foster Home Purposes

Foster homes serve different purposes. The foster family and the agency staff determine the type of foster care for a child based on the special needs of the child and how well the child will match with the foster family. Several types of foster care options are available through agencies in North Dakota.

Regular Foster Care for Children

Most children in care in North Dakota are in regular family foster homes. Placement may last from a number of days to several months. The child attends school in the community while participating with the foster family in their daily activities.
Contact: County Social Services

Therapeutic Foster Care

Therapeutic foster parents receive extra training and supports as children in therapeutic care often have additional behavioral or emotional needs. The child may transition into a regular foster home after behavioral and other issues are stabilized. The average length of stay is 8-9 months.
Contact: PATH (Professional Association of Treatment Homes)

Shelter Care

Foster homes providing shelter care may have a succession of children in their home from a very short stay of 1-2 days to 30 days. Families that decide to provide shelter care must be prepared for a great deal of flexibility as children come and go from their homes.
Contact: Human Service Centers, Youthworks

Foster/Adoptive Care

This foster home provides care for a child who is waiting to be adopted by the foster parent. The child maintains continuity through remaining in the foster home until the adoption process is completed.
Contact: Licensed ND Adoption Agencies

Unaccompanied Minors Program

Foster care is provided for youth arriving from other countries or cultures through the Unaccompanied Minors Program. Foster homes, primarily in the Fargo area, help youth adjust to a new country while providing the support of a family setting. Lutheran Social Services (LSS) is the agency providing this service in North Dakota.
Contact: Lutheran Social Services

 

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