Steps to become a foster parent

Foster care and other child welfare programs are provided through county and tribal agencies. In most cases these agencies first seek potential foster parents from the child’s family and natural support network. When that’s not possible, they seek to maintain a child in their community, including maintaining their school. Minnesota seeks to increase foster homes in all areas of the state to have more options to keep children close to home and connected to the people and places that are important to them.

Step 1: Contact Foster Adopt Minnesota

The Department of Human Services has a contract with Foster Adopt Minnesota to provide information about foster care and the licensing process. Their Fostering Network page includes information about becoming a foster parent and they are available to answer questions you may have at 612-746-5133. Based on your interests and unique situation they can help identify agencies in your community that may be the best fit for you. Complete the online inquiry form and your information will be sent to the agencies you select.
Step 2: Select an agency
Step 3: 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 download them now.

Minnesota Adoption and Foster Care Application (PDF)

Minnesota Adoption and Foster Care Individual Fact Sheet (PDF)
Step 4: 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.

Potential applicants are encouraged to openly discuss past history for themselves or their household members; depending on the situation and time that has passed it may not be a disqualification, or reconsideration may be available.
Step 5: Open home for visit and study

The county or private agency will assign a social worker to visit 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 social worker will use information gathered during interviews and collateral contacts to write an assessment. The social 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 Human Services commissioner's format for the assessment. The format is available for your review: Minnesota Adoption and Foster Care Home Study Assessment (PDF)
Step 6: Receive foster care license
Step 7: 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. Some metro counties offer regular informational meetings for individuals interested in becoming foster parents. If these meeting are not available in your area, it may be possible to connect with a current foster parent.