Minnesota Adoption Permanency Program (MAPP)

EVOLVE partners with the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to help families adopt children under state guardianship through foster care. The goal of this program is to create lasting, loving homes for youth. Families are encouraged to consider sibling groups, school-aged children, and teens. Thanks to our contract with DCYF, most costs are covered—making this a low-cost way to grow your family through adoption.

A woman and a girl laughing together inside a car, with the woman sitting in the passenger seat and the girl leaning over from the back seat. The woman is using a laptop on her lap.
Six children sitting on a colorful playground structure outdoors, smiling and looking at the camera, with trees in the background.

Children Who Are Waiting

Children and youth who are waiting for adoption are under state guardianship. Many have experienced varying degrees of trauma, including neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and/or sexual abuse.

These experiences shape their needs — and the type of care, commitment, and stability that help them move toward permanency.

54% are between the ages of 12–18
23% are between the ages of 6–11
45% are part of a sibling group
68% have documented special needs, including physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral health disabilities
Additionally, children of color and LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately represented within the child welfare system and among children under state guardianship awaiting adoption. Because of this, families interested in foster adoption in Minnesota must be open to adopting school-aged children and/or sibling groups.

MN Adoption Permanency Program (MAPP) Process Breakdown

Below is a high-level overview of what to expect as you move through the MAPP process—from your first informational session through post-adoption support.

Pre-Approval Process

Getting started
  1. 1

    Attend an Information Session

    EVOLVE offers both individual and group informational sessions.

  2. 2

    Fill Out an EVOLVE Application

    Fill out and submit the EVOLVE application.

  3. 3

    Intake Meeting

    The Adoption & Permanency Team will contact you after your application is reviewed to discuss the program further.

Post-Approval Process

Moving toward permanency
  1. 1

    Required Paperwork & Trainings

    You’ll receive required paperwork (including background studies) and information on required trainings.

  2. 2

    Autobiography

    Work with your social worker to complete your autobiography and home safety walk-through, and discuss openness and preferences.

  3. 3

    Child Foster Care / Adoption Licensure

    Your social worker finalizes your home study and you are approved for foster care and adoption licensure.

  4. 4

    Matching Process

    Your social worker begins matching, registers your family on the State Adoption Exchange, and facilitates match meetings as needed.

  5. 5

    Post-Placement Support

    After transition, you’ll meet with your team regularly for support, resources, and guidance as the adoption process moves forward.

  6. 6

    Post-Adoption Support

    EVOLVE offers post-adoption services at any time after finalization—because adoption is lifelong.

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