This 2020 study indicates that COVID-19 greatly amplified the needs and barriers foster youth already face. Foster care is deeply difficult during normal circumstances. For an already highly at-risk population, where successful transitions to economic, physical, and emotional security are precarious at best, the first months of the pandemic burdened Fosters with potentially insurmountable challenges. COVID has continued to exacerbate previously existing harms as well as elevate safety, stability, and well-being challenges for our most vulnerable youth—but targeted efforts can keep Fosters from falling off the cliff.

“It is really tough being in the system and being isolated, especially when you’ve felt this way before COVID hit. I’ve been in the system for three years and I’ve always felt this way, and COVID just amplifies it.”

As pandemic relief waned, pandemic impacts did not end for Fosters. There was a gap in practice, policies, and funding to prevent Fosters from falling off a pandemic precipice. Minnesota Counties, DHS, and foster care agencies missed the chance collectively to address these needs and fulfill our communal responsibilities to foster youth.