Urgent need to identify more foster homes of color in Washington County

Shedding light on the lack of culturally diverse homes for the growing number of Black, Indigenous and other children of color in the foster care system is Michelle McIntosh, senior social worker for Child Foster Care in Washington County.

With extensive experience in foster care and homeless outreach services, she shared during a recent conversation with community activist, Sheletta Brundidge, that there’s an urgent need to identify more foster parents of color to take in and care for children of color.

“There’s no waiting list,” said McIntosh. “When a child comes into the county’s care, they have to be placed somewhere that day, and if we don’t have a home of color available, they are placed wherever there is an opening.”

Because many children of color are often placed in homes with families that cannot fully understand their cultural needs, the lack of cultural connection can hinder the children’s emotional healing and development, making it crucial to recruit more foster families of color.

Michelle explained that a culturally similar home offers a unique connection for children in foster care, and that beyond providing shelter, these homes give children a profound sense of belonging. Something as simple as being close to someone who looks like them, familiar foods, smells, and traditions can help put children at ease during a difficult transitional time.

Naomi Jackson, one of the few foster parents of color in Washington county, is an example of how foster care can be a powerful force for good. For her, fostering five children since she first enlisted in the program in 2022 has been incredibly rewarding.

“Walking into Naomi’s home, you’re greeted by the comforting smells and sounds of familiarity—a place where culture, traditions, and understanding run deep,” said Brundidge, who recently visited Naomi to see how she’s providing a safe, culturally nurturing environment for children of color. “But as beautiful and rewarding as Naomi’s work is, she cannot be the only one,” she said.

The county is looking for more people like Naomi to open their hearts and homes to make a difference. Brundidge added that Black and brown children, who are disproportionately represented in the foster system, deserve to be in environments where they are understood on a deeper level—where shared experiences and cultural knowledge help foster healing.

Resources available to foster families include medical assistance, the WIC program, ongoing support from social workers, and financial reimbursement, which varies based on each foster child’s unique circumstance.

So why aren’t there more families of color stepping up to become foster parents? Michelle believes one hurdle is the licensing process, which requires dedicated time and effort. It’s a process she says is worth going through for those who are serious about making a difference.

The timeline for becoming a licensed foster parent can vary depending on how quickly potential foster parents can complete the necessary steps, such as home safety checks and background screenings. On average, the process takes between three and six months, and the county offers support to help families through it.

Michelle reflected that fostering is not just about providing a temporary home. It’s often about co-parenting with biological families, when possible, to help build a trust with them with a goal to reunify children with their families once they are ready.

“This isn’t about taking children away from their parents, it’s about helping both the child and their family heal,” said McIntosh.

She is also upfront about real challenges, including trauma that accompanies many children in foster care. It can take time for kids to feel safe and connected to foster families. Foster parents should understand that immediate gratitude and attachment from the child their fostering isn’t always a reality, so patience is imperative.

“These kids might not know how to accept a hug or might feel overwhelmed in a clean, quiet home if they’re not used to it,” Michelle warned. “But the rewards come with patience and understanding.”

For more information on becoming a foster parent, contact Washington County’s Child Foster Care Licensing program at 651-430-8307 or visit Washingtoncountymn.gov and search “child foster care licensing” to setup an information session.