A Need for Foster Homes

Truth:     Research and statistics show that adolescent sex offenders are considered to be more responsive to treatment than adult sex offenders and do not appear to re-offend into adulthood, especially when provided appropriate treatment.  Published rates for sexual re-offenses vary from 5-20%. 

Myth:      Youth who sexually offend pose a significant threat to community safety and cannot be managed in a homelike setting.

Truth:    Most adolescent sex offenders pose a manageable level of risk to the community.  They can be safely maintained in the community under supervision by probation officers and be treated in outpatient treatment programs.  However, a minority poses a danger to the community and require residential placement to ensure community safety.  The majority of youth who successfully complete residential placement return to community based placements.  Decisions regarding placement of adolescents are carefully considered.  

Myth:      Youth who have sexually offended cannot attend mainstream school or participate in age appropriate activities.

Fact:       Youth who have sexually offended attend local schools, participate in sports, practice their faith, go shopping, and are often employed.  Although many youth have specific probation conditions restricting their contact with minor children they participate in many age appropriate peer activities.

For more information regarding providing foster care for these youth or general information on becoming a foster care provider contact: 

Charlene Beavers
Child Foster Care
Olmsted County Social Services
507 328-6412