This research examines short, out-of-home placement stays in foster care, considering whether short stays are warranted or place unnecessary stress and trauma on children, families, and an already burdened system. From 2009 through 2014, a total of 3,327 children in Minnesota experienced out-of-home placement stays of 30 days or less. This report provides insight into this “short-stayer” population to paint a clearer picture of the population.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services, Child Safety and Permanency Division wanted to gain insight into children placed in out-of-home care for 30 days or less. With support from Casey Family Programs, Wilder Research conducted a study of the “short-stayer” population to paint a clearer picture of these children in the child welfare system.
© 2025 Wilder Foundation