Child foster care

Family foster care homes provide a range of child care services for at-risk children from birth through 18. Services include traditional foster care, emergency shelter care and respite (relief) care for children with special needs.

Foster parents may provide temporary substitute care for children. They also provide substitute care for longer periods in the event that the children cannot remain with their family. In some situations, foster parents  become guardians or adoptive parents to children in their care.

Why do children need foster care?

Most children come into foster care because of family problems. All children in foster care need special help from their foster parents in the areas of emotional, behavioral and special needs. Families of children with special needs may also require periods of respite (relief) care. Children and their families may exhibit

• Chemical (alcohol/drug) dependency
• Mental/emotional/physical disabilities
• Abuse or neglect
• Parent/child conflicts

Foster parents play a huge role in providing love and support, and a lasting presence in the lives of children who have endured a great deal of hardship.

Rice County has the need for additional licensed foster care homes, both short- and long-term. Foster parents also provide occasional respite for children (pre-arranged scheduled breaks for children/families).

Anyone interested in learning more should contact Cheryl Marek or Katie Anderson, child foster care licensors, at 507-332-6115.

Child foster care rules and regulations

MN Statute, Chapter 245A (Human Services Licensing Act)
MN Rules 296010 to 2960.3340 (Licensure & Certification of Certain Programs for Children)
MN Rule 4 (Licensing of Facilities for Children)
MN Rule 13 (Licensure of Programs)

Mandatory training

Child and Restraint Systems Training is required at the initial licensing and every five years. The three-hour classes are held at the AAA Building, 600 W Travelers Trail, Burnsville. Cost is $25 per person.

Children’s Mental Health (required for initial license)
• Training certificate

Normalcy and Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard Training (required prior to license) 
• Training certificate

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
• Training certificate

Sudden Unexpected Infant Death/Abusive Head Trauma  (required with initial licensure and every five years)  
• Training certificate