Adult Foster Care
Adult foster care is a licensed service for individuals age 18 and over that have a disability or functional impairment, are not able to live independently, and prefer to live in a community-based, home-like setting. Adult foster care providers offer food, lodging, protection, supervision, and household services.
Family:
The home is the primary residence of the license holder and the license holder is the primary caregiver.
Corporate:
The license holder is not required to live in the home or provide the majority of care. These homes typically have shift staff and are operated by corporations.
The 2009 Minnesota Legislature authorized a moratorium on the growth of licensed adult and child corporate foster care and community residential settings. For more information, see CBSM - Moratorium on corporate foster care and community residential settings.
Adult foster care homes may serve individuals with developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury, mental health conditions, physical impairments, and the elderly.
Before an individual is licensed they must go through the licensing process which includes completing paperwork, one-on-one interviews, a criminal and social service background records check for all household members age 13 and above, and a fire marshal inspection.
There is a $20 fee for each background study, $9.19 fee for fingerprints, fee for an initial well test should that apply, and a $50 fee for the fire marshal inspection. Providers must also complete orientation training presented by the county before placements are allowed.
You must be living in the county or have possession of the new home to begin the licensing process. If you live outside of Washington County you must contact the local county social service agency for information about their licensing process.
Informational Meeting - Adult FAMILY Foster Care
We require people interested in becoming licensed for adult family foster care to attend an informational meeting. The informational meeting will provide an overview of adult family foster care services, the licensing process, and general expectations of providers.
Due to COVID-19, we have switched some of our Informational meetings to Web-Ex online meetings. More meeting dates could switch to online pending the situation with COVID. Please RSVP to receive the link to the electronic meeting. Please also call if attending an electronic meeting will be difficult for you.
*Due to a high volume of Adult Foster Care applications waiting to be processed for license in relation to the current need of additional homes in Washington County, the Adult Foster Care Informational Meeting is on hold until further notice.
The amount of time taking to be licensed is currently several months. When the current applications are processed, we will continue the informational meetings at that time. Thank you for your understanding.
*Attendees will be required to attend a different training if they are more than 15 minutes late.
For additional information, questions, or to RSVP in case of cancellation, regarding adult foster care informational meetings, contact us: Phone: 651-430-8307 or Email Adult Foster Care Licensing.
Contact Us
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Licensing Information for Adult Foster Care
- What are the initial licensing requirements for family adult foster care?
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- Applicants must live in Washington County.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
- All household members age 13 years and older must pass a criminal and social service background study. Applicants must pay for all studies. Each study costs $20. Fingerprints and photos are also required for each study at a cost of $9.10.
- Applicants must complete all application materials including the names of three references (non-related).
- Applicants must have a fire marshal inspection of the home at a cost of $50. The home must meet all applicable fire and building codes. Your licensor will arrange the inspection as a part of the licensing process.
- Applicants must complete orientation training before taking a client in placement.
- Applicants must complete vulnerable adult training.
- Bedrooms in the home must meet size requirements.
- Applicants and household members must cooperate with home study interviews.
- How do I start the licensing process for family adult foster care?
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All applicants must attend the Informational meeting. Times and dates are listed on the Community Services - Adult Foster Care Licensing section of the county website. Applicant materials are distributed at this meeting. No applicants will be accepted unless the person has attended this meeting. Applicants should complete the application and mail back to the county. Once the county receives the application, a licensing worker will be assigned and will contact you with further information. You must live in Washington County at the time you apply for licensing.
- Do I have to live in a house to become licensed for family adult foster care?
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Applicants can live in single- or multi-family dwellings. They can own or rent. If they rent, the owner must sign a consent form before the fire inspection can be completed. All homes must pass the fire inspection and meet all building codes. The home must be clean and in good order.