Adult foster care

Adult foster care providers offer a family-centered living situation in their home in which 24-hour supervision, personal care, assistance and protection are given as well as room, board and laundry services. It provides people with a community living alternative which includes the normal supports of every day life — family, friends, job or training activities, recreational opportunities and the privacy and comfort of a home setting.

Adult foster care helps people to help themselves. It is a program created out of the belief that people are happiest living active and purposeful lives in their own community.

Who is it for?

People living in adult foster care homes are men and women, 18 and older, who, because of mental or physical disability, cannot manage on their own anymore. This living arrangement is intended for single persons or husband and wife, with no more than four such persons in a single-family home. The care may be provided by single or married people over the age of 21 who meet the qualifications and criteria established for providers of adult foster care.

People living in adult foster care homes need support remaining within or to return to the community from an institutional setting. As individuals, their needs and abilities may vary, but, remaining in the community is a common goal.

How does the program work?

Prior to placement in an adult foster home, Rice County Social Services ensures an assessment is completed to determine if adult foster care is appropriate for the individual. The assessment may be completed in many different forms.

If foster care is deemed inappropriate for an individual, she/he may discuss alternative living arrangements with his/her social worker.

If foster care is appropriate, the county foster care licensor is notified. The licensor will then check into the availability and willingness of foster care homes to accept a new resident.

At this time, a pre-placement visit to the prospective foster care home is arranged. The purpose is two-fold: 1) for the prospective resident to see the house and surrounding community; and 2) for the resident and provider to meet and get to know each other, as well as any roommates to see if this living arrangement would work out.

If everyone agrees the arrangement is acceptable, plans for placement are initiated. If either party declines, other plans are made. No arrangement is necessarily permanent and either party may terminate the agreement should the need develop.

MAGIC mission statement

All persons are entitled to independence regarding their quality and style of life. Vulnerable individuals, however, may require assistance with decision making while respecting their dignity, autonomy and well-being.

The Minnesota Association for Guardianship and Conservatorship (MAGIC), is a membership organization to explore substitute decision-making. MAGIC brings together and supports professionals who are committed to insuring that the appropriate level of quality substitute decision making is applied consistently. The organization provides education and communication for those interested in guardianship or less restrictive services.

Journal of the Minnesota Association for Guardianship and Conservatorship is published by MAGiC for professional people who are substitute decision-makers. Questions, comments, or requests to be added to the mailing list may be made by calling: 651-292-9131 or in writing to MAGiC, P.O. Box 14246, St. Paul, Minnesota 55114, Anita Raymond, Editor Mary Ferris Jensen, Associate Editor Mary Watson, Associate Editor Vickie Berg, Associate Editor Lori Guzman, Associate Editor Bruce Myers, Advertising

@ Copyright 2000 by Minnesota Association for Guardianship and Conservatorship.

Rice County has a well-developed adult foster care program, with 96 licensed adult foster care homes serving individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health issues and frail elderly. Anyone interested in providing adult foster care or utilizing adult foster home services, contact Kate Hanson, Adult Foster Care Licensor, at 507-332-6255 or email.