quick exit

Quick
Exit

From the Imprint–Lots of conversations with parents, brothers, sisters and caregivers. Emergency funds for extra beds, car seats or strollers. Overnight visits.

This is a snapshot of Hennepin County’s approach to keeping children who have been removed from their homes connected to siblings. The county’s rate of keeping sibling groups together in foster care — 86% as of August — is consistent with recent statewide data but soars above national averages.

“It’s the right thing to do,” Director of Children and Family Services Kwesi Booker said. “We want to have the least disruption and minimize trauma as much as possible. And so you have a lifelong connection to your siblings — we are doing our best to keep those children together at all costs.”

Ensuring siblings are placed together, or that they stay in touch even when separated in foster care, is a longstanding concern in the state and nationwide.

Read the rest of the story here.