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 household members over age 13 need to complete a criminal background check; however, having a criminal history does not necessarily disqualify you from being a foster parent.
• Complete a full Foster Care Home Study Assessment

In addition to these general requirements, EVOLVE holds other expectations of our foster care providers. Characteristics needed to be a good foster parent include: 

• Stability 
• Strong support system, surrounded by others that understand trauma, the needs of children in care, and the value of difference and uniqueness of each child. 
• Flexibility 
• Strong ability to advocate for the children in care 
• Strong communication skills
• Teamwork 
• Willingness to learn and seek out opportunities that enhance understanding related to children in care 
• Understanding of your own capacity and limits
• Access to supports and/or being willing to ask for help when needed
• Ability to honor and support the cultural needs of children in foster care (race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, family history)

EVOLVE strongly encourages families of color, and families who are open and have the skills to parent LGBTQ youth to consider becoming foster care providers.