Each October, Foster Youth Voice Month is observed nationwide to amplify the voices of young people with foster care experience. This month, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) highlights the importance of giving older children in foster care a say in decisions about their lives and driving positive change in the child welfare system.
Governor Kelly Armstrong has issued a proclamation recognizing Foster Youth Voice Month in North Dakota underscoring our state’s commitment to listening to and empowering youth in foster care.
"Elevating youth voice in foster care is best practice; Youth voice is critical to case progress and a successful transition. When young people are heard and their goals guide their desired plan, we move from managing lives to empowering futures," said Lauren Sauer, interim director of Children and Family Services Section.
In North Dakota, recent data shows progress in reducing the number of children in foster care, reflecting HHS‘ commitment to helping families stay safely together whenever possible. About 1,100 children are currently in foster care, compared to about 1,500 in 2020 — a 27% decline. Of those, 291 are age 14 or older, down from 456 in 2020, a 36% decrease.
The decline is largely due to fewer children entering foster care, the result of several combined efforts.
A major redesign in child welfare began in 2020. Under the model, more children can remain in their homes with approved safety plans and oversight from case managers. Children are only removed when it is determined they cannot remain safely in their homes.
Evidence-based prevention services, such as FamilyFirst Services funded by Title IV-E, have also played a role. These services, offered at no cost to eligible families, help stabilize households before situations escalate to the point where removal is necessary. FamilyFirst Services received its highest number of eligibility applications in May 2025, demonstrating the impact of HHS’ increased strategic outreach efforts. More information is available at hhs.nd.gov/familyfirst.
Another factor in the decline is the record number of families supported by Kinship ND. Funding has been established to support kinship caregivers, allowing children to remain with people they know and trust whenever possible. Kinship ND works closely with unlicensed kinship caregivers – including grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends – to help meet the needs of children living in their homes. Since November 2023, Kinship ND has received over 550 applications for financial support to nearly 1,000 North Dakota children. If a child must enter foster care due to safety concerns in the home, nearly 35% are placed with an identified relative. North Dakota strives to increase this percentage every day.
For more information about family unification efforts in North Dakota, visit hhs.nd.gov/cfs.
Reporting suspected child abuse or neglect
HHS reminds individuals that if they suspect a child in North Dakota is being abused or neglected, they should call the statewide toll-free Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting Line at (833) 958-3500. If it’s an emergency and a child is in immediate danger, call 911.