A welcoming home: The need for foster families is rising in OTC

May 11—May is Foster Care Month and a great time to learn about foster care in Otter Tail County. Foster families provide a temporary home for children while they wait to reunite with their parents or until a permanent plan is made. These families play a vital role in helping children heal and grow.

"Otter Tail County is fortunate to have dedicated, caring families that serve our most vulnerable children. This includes both relative and non-relative homes," Jody Dahlen, child foster care licensor and CPC social worker.

Becoming a foster family can be such a rewarding decision. Alison and Andrew Olson, along with their family, made the decision to become a foster family five years ago after their children noticed the need in their schools: "We started out by asking a few questions and we kept moving forward as a family."

Over the years, Olson said her family has changed, and grown, in many great ways. They have found support through the school administrators and staff, Foster the Family Support Group, Bethel Church's Foster Closet and the YMCA after school care staff. "Being a foster parent isn't scary. There is so much joy in the journey." What advice would Alison give to families interested in becoming licensed foster homes? "Absolutely, go for it! The road is not always easy, but it is worth it. The need for more families to be licensed is so great, we need you!"

Licensing is done through Otter Tail County Human Services. With 41 homes licensed for foster care and 38 licensed adult foster care, the need continues to increase, especially for homes capable of caring for teenagers. If you are interested, request an initial licensing packet from the county. With questions or for more information, contact Jody at jdahlen@co.ottertail.mn.us or visit the county website at ottertailcounty.gov and search foster care.

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