Licensed foster care

To provide foster care, individuals must have a license from the Department of Human Services. Many aspects of adult foster care, child foster care and adoption are administered locally, at the county level.

• For further information about becoming an adult foster care provider, please contact your county or tribal agency.
• For further information about becoming a child foster care provider, visit the page steps to become a foster parent.

Roles, rules, definitions

• 245A: Human Services Licensing statute.
• 245C: Human Services Background Studies statute.
• 245D: Home and Community-Based Services Standards statute.
• Rule 203: Minnesota Rules, parts 9555.5105 to 9555.6265 – Administration of Adult Foster Care Services and Licensure of Adult Foster Homes.
• Child Foster Care: Minnesota Rules, parts 2960.0010 to 2960.3340

Licensing Lookup

Search for public information about licensed providers.

• Visit DHS' licensing information database.

Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) certifications

Information about the FFPSA specialized settings license certifications and instructions for how to apply are on the Family First Prevention Services webpage.

Footer navigation

People we serve

• Adults
• Children and families
• People with disabilities
• Seniors

Partners and providers

• Program overviews
• eDocs library of forms and documents
• News, initiatives, reports, work groups
• Training and conferences
• Contact us
• Grants and RFPs
• Licensing
• IT systems and supports

Contact us

• Contact numbers
• Counties, tribes and regional offices
• Public participation

Policies

Connect with us

Terminology disclaimer

The terminology used to describe people with disabilities has changed over time. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (“Department”) supports the use of “People First” language. Although outmoded and offensive terms might be found within documents on the Department’s website, the Department does not endorse these terms.