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Foster Care Licensing

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Single adults or couples over age 21 who are interested in becoming foster parents for children should read the Frequently Asked Questions and Steps below. After an application has been submitted, the county foster care licensor will assess both the physical requirements of the home and the applicant's ability and willingness to serve as a source for parents and children involved in the child protection system. A federal background check and training are required. 

Please review Foster Care Licensing Frequently Asked Questions
To get detailed information about the Foster Care Licensing Process, please visit www.mnadopt.com


Steps to Become a Foster Parent

Step 1: Call to Fillmore County
After reviewing the above information, call Fillmore County Social Work Intake at 507-765-2175. Our intake worker will ask for personal information such as your name, birthdate, address, phone number and your motivation for becoming a foster parent. 

Step 2: Complete the Application and Fact Sheet
Minnesota offers one application for child foster care licensing and adoption. In order to be a licensed foster care provider, you need to complete and submit the application for child placement and individual fact sheet. These forms are available from the county service agency or private agency or you can download them below: 
Minnesota Adoption and Foster Care Application (PDF)
Minnesota Adoption and Foster Care Individual Fact Sheet (PDF)

MN ADOPT's Fostering Network provides information and resources about becoming a foster parent. This website offers information about becoming a foster parent, agencies that serve your location and about foster children. Complete the online inquiry form and your information will be sent to the foster care agency of your choice. 

Step 3: Initiate a Background Study
A background study is required for everyone in the home, 13 years of age and older. The agency placing the child will provide applicants with fingerprint cards and instructions about how to initiate a study in your community. Foster care background studies are completed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. 

Step 4: Open Home for Visit and Study
A licensing worker will schedule a visit with you and your family to interview you and complete a home study assessment. The home study process involves several interviews with you and your family members. The licensing worker will use the information gathered during interviews and collateral contacts to write an assessment. The licensing worker has the responsibility to assess a potential parent's ability to provide a healthy environment for a child. County and private agencies are required to use the Home Services Commissioner's format for the assessment. The format is available for your review: Minnesota Adoption and Foster Care Home Study Assessment (PDF)

Step 5: Receive Foster Care License
When you have successfully completed the process, the agency will notify the state and a license will be issued. This license is good for either one or two years. Prior to the expiration date, the assessment will need to be updated to renew the license. 

Step 6: Participate in Training
The Minnesota Child Welfare Training System offers trainings for foster, adoptive, and kinship parents around the state. These trainings give potential and current foster parents the tools to have a successful foster care experience. Fillmore County offers regular foster parent meetings for individuals interested in licensure, those who have placements, and those awaiting placements.

For more information regarding Family Childcare Licensing, Child Foster Care Licensing, and/or Adult Foster Care Licensing, you may contact Social Services by calling 507-765-2175 or email ss-fax@co.fillmore.mn.us
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