Who can be a foster care provider?

Anyone can become a foster provider. It is important that providers meet the basic requirements: Reside in the state of Minnesota Be 21 years or older Complete the licensing paperwork, including, but not limited to the DHS Application, EVOLVE Application, Individual Fact Sheet, Background Study Authorization, Discipline/Grievance/Alcohol, and Drug Policies, Home Safety Walk-through, etc.  All…

All children and youth, involved with the child welfare system have experienced varying levels of trauma that include experiences of physical, emotional, sexual abuse and/or neglect. Many have been diagnosed with a psychological, behavioral and/or emotional disorder. Many have mental, emotional, behavioral, and physical health needs. Many children have also experienced prenatal exposure to alcohol…

While there are infants who come into care, this is not the need. That being said, younger children are often part of sibling groups. Most of the children we work with are between the ages of 7 – 18 years old. Additionally, the child welfare system is disproportionately represented with children of color, specifically African American…

Reside in the state of Minnesota Be 21 years or older Complete the licensing paperwork, including, but not limited to the DHS Application, EVOLVE Application, Individual Fact Sheet, Background Study Authorization, Discipline/Grievance/Alcohol, and Drug Policies, Home Safety Walk-through, etc.  All household members over age 13 need to complete a criminal background check; however, having a…

The process of becoming a foster care parent takes about 6 months. The licensing process requires active involvement from the family and our agency will often move at the pace of your family to complete the required licensing components.

No. Foster parents can be parenting children in the home or have no children. Minnesota does have capacity limitations for foster care. This may impact your ability to get licensed if you are already at the capacity requirement.

Traditional Foster CareFamilies provide care and ensure the health and well-being of children in care while birth-families complete case plan requirements, in order to achieve reunification with their children (which may include treatment, securing housing, parenting/mental health/chemical health assessments). Foster providers are responsible for ensuring that​ children remain connected to their community, peers, and birth…

Foster parents play a vital role in the lives of children in care. While birth-parents work to complete various requirements to achieve reunification with their children, foster parents keep children connected to their families and communities, ensure the health and wellness of children in their care, support identity development, advocate for the children in care,…