Thank you for your interest in becoming a licensed Child Foster Care provider in Houston County. We are always happy to welcome new providers for the area. Below is information on what is required for licensing and the process we follow. Additional information on the process is provided at orientation.
Licensing
Licensing is required for prospective foster parents in order to assess the ability to provide for the safety, permanency, and well-being of the children in their homes. In Minnesota, interested families and individuals can be licensed by counties, tribal communities, and private agencies in a one-step process for foster care and adoption.
Houston County follows the MN DHS guidelines for the requirements of licensing, but these can be met in various ways. Here are some of the basic components:- Application
- Orientation and Training
- Home Safety Inspection
- Home Study Assessment
- Background Study
Homes Needed & Types of Stays
Houston County is in need of Child Foster Care homes for sibling groups, teens, & all ages! Stays can be short-term, long-term, or as respite. Houston County will work with you to ensure your preferences are met.
- To begin the licensing process, reach out to Houston County Licensing to request an application packet.
- The Child Foster Care Licensor will send the applicant the Child Foster Care application packet. The Licensor will provide all required forms to be completed.
- The applicant will then complete and return the application packet to the Child Foster Care Licensor via email or mail.
- The Licensor will review the application packet and schedule orientation with the applicant. We know what an important decision becoming a foster family is, and we will be with you every step of the way! Expect the process to take approximately 3 to 4 months after the Licensor receives the application.
The outcome of the licensing process is that Houston County will either recommend to the State that you meet the standard to receive a license, or your application will be denied. If your license is denied, you have the right to appeal.
Do I have to live in Houston County?
Yes. For Houston County to license you as a foster care provider, you must live in Houston County.
Do I need to live in a house?
No. Apartments, condominiums, or mobile homes can be options.
Do I have to be married?
No, you do not have to be married.
Can I be a single parent?
Yes, you can be a single parent.
How old do I need to be?
You must be 21 years old or older to become a child foster care provider.
Can I work outside of my home?
Yes, you can work outside of your home.
Who pays for the child's medical expenses?
All medical and dental expenses are provided for the child through the county or private insurance.
Is liability insurance provided?
Yes. Adult and child family foster care providers and family adult day services providers in the State of Minnesota licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Minnesota Department of Corrections, and those licensed and approved by Indian Tribal Governments are covered by the Minnesota Joint Underwriting Association (MJUA) at no cost. See below for further details.
Can a foster child share a room with my child?
Yes, bedrooms can be shared, but each child needs his/her own bed.
How long do foster children stay in foster homes?
Foster care varies in length depending on the child and his/her parents' circumstances.
Can I adopt a foster child?
There are circumstances in which a foster child could be adopted if reunification with family is not able to occur.
Will I be paid for taking care of a foster child?
Yes. Foster parents are reimbursed costs associated with the care of children in foster care. The amount depends on the level of care that child requires.
Adult and child family foster care providers and family adult day services providers in the State of Minnesota licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Minnesota Department of Corrections, and those licensed and approved by Indian Tribal
Governments.
More information regarding MJUA foster provider liability insurance can be found at the MJUA website
Foster Provider Liability Insurance Overview
Incident Report Form
- *A foster child that runs away or is missing
- *Any serious illness or accident that involves a foster child
- *Police contact at the foster home
- *Any changes to the license holder or household members’ physical or behavioral health that may affect the license holder’s ability to care for a foster child or pose a risk to a foster child’s health
- Incidents that may result in criminal or delinquency charges for a license holder or household member
- Changes in the foster home or household members
- To inform of possibility of accepting placement of child/ren if contacted by a placing worker
- Within 24 hours of accepting placement of a child
- Other safety concerns that affect a child
*Outside business hours, these incidents should be reported to the on-call child protection social worker. They can be reached by calling Houston County Dispatch at 507-725-3379 and asking to be connected to the on-call child protection social worker.