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Community Services - Adult Foster Care Licensing

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1. What are the initial licensing requirements for family adult foster care?

• Applicants must live in Washington County and be at least 18 years of age.
• Applicants must complete all application forms and participate in home study interviews.
• Bedrooms in the home must meet size requirements. (View the answer to FAQ question #4)
• Applicants and household members aged 13 years and older must pass a criminal and social service background study.
• Applicants must pass a fire marshal inspection of the home.
• Applicants must complete required orientation and vulnerable adult training.

2. How do I start the licensing process for family adult foster care?

• If interested in becoming an adult foster care provider, you must attend an informational meeting first.
  • At this meeting, you will learn more about the foster care licensing process and requirements.
  • Visit our main adult foster care licensing web page for more informational on the adult foster care information meetings.

3. Do I have to live in a house to become licensed for family adult foster care?

• Applicants can live in single- or multi-family dwellings; they can own or rent.
• If renting, the landlord must consent to a  fire marshal inspection.
• All homes must pass the fire inspection and meet all building codes.
• The home must be clean and in good order.

4. What size is required for a bedroom for family adult foster care?

• Single occupancy bedrooms must be at least 80 square feet; not counting the closet.
• A ceiling height of 7.5 feet.
• The bedroom must be separated from halls, corridors, and other rooms by floor-to-ceiling walls.
• Bedrooms must not serve as a pathway to another room.

5. What items am I required to provide to residents in family adult foster care?

• Bedroom size requirements. (View the answer to FAQ question #4)
• A clean mattress in good repair.
• Individual bedding for the residents:  two sets (mattress pad, fitted sheet, top sheet, blanket or comforter, pillow case, and pillow).
• At least three individual wash clothes and three bath towels.
• A dresser.
• A closet/wardrobe.
• A mirror in the bedroom.

6. How am I paid for providing family adult foster care?

• Payment for foster care depends on the person's financial resources and program eligibility.
• Some persons may pay the entire cost of care through their own financial resources such as savings and social security income.
• Other persons may be eligible for state/federal programs which provide financial assistance to pay for the cost of foster care.
• More information about payments is provided at the informational meeting.

7. How much will I be paid for family adult foster care?

• If the person will privately pay all costs, then the provider can negotiate a rate with that person.
• If the person receives state/federal assistance, they are screened by the county to determine how much the county will pay for their care.
• The  monthly room and board rate for individuals who qualify for state/federal assistance is $1,041/month.

8. Who qualifies to receive family adult foster care services?

• All persons seeking family adult foster care are to be screened by a social worker to determine their need for foster care.
• To be considered appropriate for foster care, the person must have a "functional impairment" which means they have problems with walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, learning, or severe mental health issues which affects their ability to care for themselves.
• Persons with physical aggression or extremely high medical needs are usually not appropriate for family adult foster care.

9. How do I get residents for family adult foster care?

• Licensure does not guarantee placement.
• Your licensing worker will receive requests from individuals looking for placement.
  • If your home is a match, the licensing worker will contact you about the individual.
  • You can also market yourself, contact nursing homes or senior living centers directly about your program, and receive requests directly from people. In those cases, you must refer the person to your licensor.

10. What kind of family adult foster care clients will I get?

• The kind of person you will serve depends on your home, your skills, and your abilities.
• Your licensing worker will help you decide what types of clients match the services you are able to offer.
• All persons seeking family adult foster care must be screened by a social worker to determine that they are appropriate for foster care.

11. Can I be licensed to care for an adult family member?

• No, you cannot be licensed to care for a close relative.
• If you are giving up a full-time job to care for a closely related person who is over 65 years of age, you may qualify for certification which is granted by the county board of commissioners.

12. Do I need to be home all the time?

• The adult foster care rule requires that a caregiver must be in the home during normal sleeping hours.
• Supervision varies based on the person's needs and abilities.
• Some persons will require someone with them 24 hours a day.
• Others may be able to be home or out in the community on their own.
• Providers must be able to respond to any changes in supervision needs.

13. Can I hire people to help in my home?

• The provider must be the primary caregiver.
• You can hire people to help you care for your residents.
• All caregivers must be at least 18 years old and must complete:
  • a background study
  • specific training

14. Can I move out of the home once I become licensed for family adult foster care?

• The home which is licensed must be your primary residence.
  • It would be a violation if you or your family moves out of your licensed home.
  • Your license could be revoked if you move out of your home.

15. Can I have clients who use a wheelchair on the second level of my home?

• Persons who are non-ambulatory must have a bedroom on a level of the home with an exit directly to grade.
  • This means there must be a door that goes right outside, no stairs or chairlifts.

16. What kind of training or experience do I need to have before applying for licensure?

• You must attend the informational meeting to receive an application.
  • There is no other training required before applying.
• We recommend you do some research regarding the type of people you wish to work with, such as people with brain injuries, Alzheimer's, mental illness, or developmental disabilities.
  • You will be a better provider if you have a broader understanding of the people you want to serve.

17. How much training do I have to have once I become licensed?

• License holders must complete orientation training before they are able to take a person for placement.
• License holders and all caregivers with up to five years of experience are required to have 12 hours of training annually.
• License holders and caregivers with six or more years of experience are required to have six hours of training annually.
• Caregivers providing not more than 30 total days of foster care in a 12-month period and eight hours or less a week have a different requirement for training.

Washington County recommends providers complete more than just the basic required training. This can help you become a more professional and skilled care provider.