More ND kids are in foster care, but new federal laws look to reduce numbers

A new study shows foster care numbers continue to increase across the nation. That's true too here in North Dakota, but the state is decreasing in other areas.

The study by the Chronicle for Social Change shows an increase in kids in foster care and congregate or group care from 2012-2016, but the percentage of kids in congregate care decreased over that same time.

Kelsey Bless with the Department of Human services says New federal legislation will help lower numbers, by shifting money into prevention.

“At the end of the day this federal legislation is about keeping families together and doing everything that we can to prevent removal from the home,” said Bless.

DHS will host a meeting on November 15 at the capitol talking more about the legislation and new programs the state is creating. The meeting is in the Brynhild Haugland room from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is free to the public.