Children's Home Adoption & Foster Care

19/08/2026

Jesse & Garrett
Minneapolis, Minnesota

We’re Jesse and Garrett, and we’ve been married since 2020. From early on in our relationship, we knew we wanted to grow our family through adoption. While we didn’t grow up in Minnesota, we now call the Twin Cities home and live in a diverse, character-filled neighborhood in South Minneapolis.

Our home is truly our haven, and we love working on home projects together (we’ve remodeled most of our house since buying it in 2019), and earlier this year, we added the sweetest new member to our family: our red Standard Poodle, Irwin. He’s become our little shadow, joining us on walks through the neighborhood and curling up with us on the couch for movie nights.

When we’re not busy with projects or puppy cuddles, we’re out enjoying life with our people. Summer means softball league for us and nothing beats the time we spend with our chosen family on Sundays. And year-round, our favorite way to connect is sharing meals with friends, whether it’s a firing up our pizza oven, smoking some meat, or sharing Garrett’s Cajun heritage with gumbo. casual backyard BBQ, a cozy winter soup night, or a long dinner that stretches well past dessert.

Our circle of friends and family is diverse, warm, and deeply supportive. We treasure and prioritize the time we spend with our nieces and nephews in Mississippi and Illinois, and we love hosting our chosen family here in Minneapolis. We can’t wait to be able to add a precious little one to our family!

For more information, you can check out our website https://garrettsteede.wixsite.com/jesse-garrett-adopt.

You can also contact our adoption worker, Emily DeLanoit at [email protected] or 651-255-2210.

19/08/2026

We are currently hiring Adoption Workers! Learn more and consider joining our amazing team!

This is open to candidates statewide, but in particular we'd love to hear from interested candidates in: Alexandria, St. Cloud and Willmar areas.

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Learn about current opportunities at chlss.org.

18/08/2026

The 2027 Foster Youth Internship Program® application is NOW OPEN! Part one of the application is available via the link in our bio and will be accepted on a rolling basis now through November 1, 2026.

Are you a current or former foster youth interested in gaining valuable experience in federal child welfare policy? Don’t miss this opportunity to bring your voice and lived experience to Capitol Hill and help shape the future of child welfare policy!

17/08/2026

Meet Will, Family Worker and Child-Specific Recruiter!

Will joined Children’s Home one year ago and serves in a dual role as a Family Worker and Child-Specific Recruiter. Drawing on years of experience in youth summer programming, and as a childcare specialist, Will brings a passion for building relationships and supporting both families and youth through important milestones in their journeys.

When asked about his favorite part of the work, Will shared:

"I really enjoy getting to know families who come into our program with a genuine calling to provide a safe, stable, and loving home for kids in foster care. Building rapport with families, assisting them through the home study process and beyond, and eventually helping them achieve their goal of foster care or adoption is the most fulfilling work I have ever done. I especially enjoy match meetings because families often feel like they are finally ‘doing the process,’ and it is special to share in their excitement as they learn about a child.

As a Child-Specific Recruiter, I also love working directly with youth who are available for adoption. Being able to continue forming relationships with youth is something I really value. It is especially meaningful to connect children with organizations like Reel Hope and Heart Gallery and watch them authentically express themselves through photoshoots and activities. Whether we are going out to eat, taking a walk, or spending time together in another way, I enjoy creating opportunities for youth to feel seen, heard, and supported."

13/08/2026

Considering foster care or adoption? Join our two-day, in-person Foster Care and Adoption Education class on October 16-17 in Detroit Lakes, MN!

Learn more and register today at bit.ly/FCAeducation. We can't wait to meet you.

12/08/2026

Hello! We are Brittany and Will.

We’ve been married for four and a half years and love spending time outdoors and playing games together. Our home is full of love, a lively mix of pets (a dog, two cats, a bird, fish, and even snails), and often the smell of homemade bagels.

We live in a cozy home on a quiet street, surrounded by family. We’ve always dreamed of growing our family through adoption, and we’re excited to share our love, curiosity, and everyday adventures with a child. We look forward to encouraging them to explore their interests while always knowing they are deeply loved.

Learn more about us at BrittanyAndWillAdopt.WordPress.com

Our Adoption Worker:
Dianne Delaney
[email protected]
320-428-0199

11/08/2026

"When Harry and Martha reflect on their five decades with Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, and now Children’s Home, they see a life shaped by compassion, and a deep belief that every child deserves a safe, loving home."

🔗 Read more: chlss.org/blog/a-legacy-of-love

10/08/2026

Join Dr. Katie Stone this Wednesday, August 12th for a free virtual webinar with Foster Adopt Minnesota, where she will discuss how to help children navigate placement transitions using evidence from developmental science.

Missed seeing Dr. Katie Stone, one of AMC's child psychologists, present at ICAR9?

Join her this Wednesday, August 12th for a free virtual webinar with Foster Adopt Minnesota, where she will discuss how to help children navigate placement transitions using evidence from developmental science .

Link to attend: https://education.fosteradoptmn.org/v2/?c=event&id=2504



Image Description: Headshot of Dr. Katie Stone, with event details; Live webinar hosted by Foster Adopt Minnesota, free to attend, Wed. August. 12th at 11:30 am (CT), presentation title "Helping Children Navigate Placement Transitions: Evidence From Developmental Science"

07/08/2026

Volunteer help is needed this fall at the Children's Home Youth Retreat ⛺

Friday, October 9 – Sunday, October 11

The Youth Retreat is a weekend-long experience designed for youth ages 13–17 who are currently in foster care or were adopted through foster care. This retreat provides a safe, supportive space for teens to connect with peers who share similar life experiences while building confidence, relationships, and life skills.

The retreat will take place at Lutheran Social Service’s Camp Knutson, a welcoming and fully accessible camp that promotes personal growth, friendship, and fun.

Volunteers serve as chaperones and mentors throughout the weekend. Responsibilities may include:
Providing supervision and support to youth
Participating in group activities and helping foster engagement
Chaperoning cabins and ensuring a safe, inclusive environment
Building positive relationships with youth and supporting their experience

🔗 Learn more at chlss.org/volunteer

06/08/2026

💙 Our new blog shares the inspiring journey of a family who stepped in as kinship caregivers for their niece and nephew, and ultimately providing permanency. The beginning of their parenting journey is described with a phrase that perfectly captures both the chaos and the courage of their decision: “parachuting gracefully.” Their story is a powerful reminder of how family support can change lives and create lasting connections.

🔗 Read more: chlss.org/blog/rooted-in-family