More Minn. kids living with relatives, close friends, study says

The percentage of Minnesota children being cared for by extended family members and close family friends has doubled over the past ten years, according to a report released Wednesday by the Anne E. Casey Foundation.

The report found 2 percent of Minnesota children are living with non-parent family members or close family friends, up from 1 percent ten years ago.

The report shows more support is needed to help caregivers who are living in what she calls kinship families, said Laura Speer, the foundation's associate director for policy reform and data.

"It's always expensive and difficult to raise children. It's not an easy job, and right now these families who are these kinship families, taking on this role, it's more difficult than ever before," Speer said.

Despite the increase, the overall percentage of Minnesota children being cared for by extended family members remains among the lowest in the country. Mississippi is the highest, at 7 percent.