Foster Advocates was founded in 2018 to address the lack of advocacy organizations working to improve the foster care space in Minnesota.
“ I am humbled that what started as an idea at a coffee table out of outrage, that the same systemic challenges I faced in foster care were still present, has now moved beyond my personal vision to something truly community driven. ”
Our work is grounded in a bold idea: child welfare systems change could be, and should be, led by the people most impacted. Our organization has grown to a team of seven and connected with Foster leaders across the state, shifting the Minnesota child welfare landscape in significant ways. As the only organization in the state focused on systems change directed by and for Fosters, we create a unique and outsized impact through:
Our Foster Community
Early leaders in our network stated foster care creates a significant cultural identity, akin to other immutable characteristics, that goes unrecognized once they are reunited with family, adopted, or age out. In response, we use the term Foster to name and claim this unique identity.
Our Values
As an organization led by Fosters and for Fosters, these values guide us in everything we do.
