Child Foster Care
Regular Foster Care
This is what most people think of when someone says foster care. These are foster families that providing temporary care for children while actively supporting reunification with their parents. Foster families care for children from one day to several months.
Concurrent Planning/Resource Families
These are foster families that provide care for children while actively supporting reunification with their parents. At the same time, these families are willing to commit to the possibility of adoption, if reunification can't take place.
Emergency Shelter Care
Foster parents are needed in emergency situations. Families must be willing to care for all children ages 0-18. Placements typically last from 1-8 days. What makes this program unique from the other programs, is that our foster families are on call for one week at a time and can receive a monthly stipend for just being on call.
Respite/Relief Care
These foster families care for children for specific short periods of time. The purpose of respite care is to provide the children's parents or caregivers a brief break in their care responsibilities.
Crisis Nursery
The program provides temporary, short-term care for children in Olmsted County while families address a crisis situation.
A few things for you to consider before applying for any of the above programs:
- Must be an Olmsted County resident.
- Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application, there is no upper limit.
- A request for licensure cannot be denied based on marital status.
- You may work outside the home.
- All household members who are 18 years of age and older must sign a statement, indicating they have been free of chemical use problems for the past two years.
- All household members who are 13 years of age or older must complete a criminal and social services background check.
Prospective foster parents
Step 1: Important note about adoption and foster care
If you are interested in ADOPTION, please consider the following before completing the interactive course:
Olmsted County is looking for foster parents who will support our efforts to reunite foster children with their birth families. However, if the children cannot be returned home and there are no relatives that can care for the children on a permanent basis, then the foster parents can apply to adopt the child. If this interests you, complete the interactive course.
For families that are only interested in children who are legally free for adoption and not interested in working with Olmsted County to reunite the foster children with their birth families, there are many Public Private Adoption Initiative agencies (PPAI) that can work with you at no cost to you. The following links from the Foster Adopt Minnesota website will provide you more information.
Foster Adopt Minnesota
www.fosteradoptmn.org
Foster Adopt Minnesota- Adoption Process and Public Private Adoption Initiative (PPAI)
MN ADOPT - Adoption Process (fosteradoptmn.org)
Minnesota’s Waiting Children (Meet The Kids)
https://www.fosteradoptmn.org/meet-the-kids/
Step 2: Watch foster care modules
Great! We’re excited you’re interested in becoming a child foster care provider! After you have completed all the modules you can request an application. Please give us your contact information and an Olmsted County foster care social worker will contact you within three business days with next steps!
Module 1: What is Foster Care? (45 mins)
Module 2:Relative always get priority (3 mins)
Module 3:Olmsted County and the foster parent's role (4 mins)
Module 4:Foster Care programs (2 mins)
Module 5: Characteristics of a foster family (4 mins)
Module 6: The home study (6 mins)
Module 7: Training you'll need (3 mins)
Module 8:The home safety checklist (8 mins)
Module 9: Financial reimbursement/assistance (3 mins)
Module 10: Next steps (3 mins)
Step 3: Complete and return the application packet
You’ve completed all the modules and were contacted by a foster care social worker to get an application packet. Please send completed application to:
Health, Housing and Human Services
Child Foster Care
2117 Campus Drive SE
Suite 200
Rochester, MN 55904
If you have questions regarding completing the application, please contact a foster care social worker at:
fostercare@olmstedcounty.gov
507-328-6390
Step 4: Complete a background study
Everyone living in your home who is 13 years or older will need to complete a background study. This will include fingerprinting everyone in your household 18 years old or older. We will give you instructions about how to complete fingerprinting.
Step 5: Attend additional training
There is mandatory and elective training that needs to be completed before you are licensed. Your licensing worker will work with you to schedule these.
Step 6: Successfully complete a home study
After all of the background studies and any other required trainings are completed, your licensing worker will meet with you and begin your home study.
During your first home visit, your licensing worker will conduct a home inspection. If your licensing worker determines that a fire inspection is needed, a request will be made to the State Fire Marshal's Office.
Additional visits (typically four to six) between yourself and the licensing worker are necessary to complete the home study. During the home study, we will ask about your personal history, your support system, your relationships, your parenting style, your placement preferences, etc.
Step 7: Receive your license
Your license is issued when:
- The background study is complete.
- Three references have been received.
- All training is completed.
- Your home study is complete.
- All necessary corrections have been made to your home (per State Fire Marshal and licensing requirements).
The agency makes a recommendation to the Minnesota Department of Human Services who issues your license.
Typically, a license is issued within 120 days from the date your application is received by our agency.
Step 8: Congratulations!
You are now a foster parent with Olmsted County & can take your first placement.
Emergency crisis and contact information
After hours social workers 507-535-5625
Who are they? After hours social workers work for Olmsted County. They are social workers that provide a response after 5 p.m. Monday - Friday, during the weekends and on holidays. At times only one worker is available to respond to calls. They respond to calls based on what is presenting the most danger/risk to a child at the time.
How can they support you and the children in your home? After hours social workers work collaboratively with the child’s primary social worker and supervisors to provide an extension of services/support during “off” hours/days. They rely on information from the primary social worker as they are not involved in consults or hear regular updates on all the families working with Child and Family Services.
- Below are a few examples of how after-hours social workers may be able to assist foster parents and youth in their home:
- They can pass on information to the primary social worker.
- Access an on-call supervisor for consultation.
- Offer suggestions and ideas (behavior de-escalation, building a safety plan or behavior plan)
- Suggest other emergency community resources such as the Mobile Crisis Response team, Community Outreach Specialist team, and Southeast Regional Crisis Center
- Access to Olmsted County databases and may be able to locate needed information.
- If available, they may be able to respond to your home, help with de- escalation needs, or just be an extra support to you and/or the child.
- Obtain medications, clothing, or other needed items for foster children in your home.
What are the after-hours social workers’ limitations?
- Cannot make placement changes without consultation with a supervisor
- May not be able to return a phone call right away as they balance multiple responsibilities at the same time
- May not be able to come to your home to assist if they have other competing priorities
- Cannot travel outside of Olmsted County
Mobile Crisis Response team 844-272-7472 (24/7 response)
Who are they? The Mobile Crisis Response team works for Zumbro Valley Mental Health. They are professionals who have the clinical skills and ability to respond to a mental health crisis.
How can they support you and the children in your home? The Mobile Crisis Response team answers phone calls in “real time”. They’re able to triage the situation and determine if an in-person response is needed to support a person suffering from a mental health crisis. They can collaborate with Law Enforcement when needed to ensure safety of everyone involved in a crisis.
Services offered include:
- Creating an intervention plan.
- Creating a short-term crisis stabilization plan.
- Developing a discharge plan with foster parents and youth discharged from hospital setting.
- Evaluating continuity of care and identifying potential gaps.
- Connection to community resources.
- Mobile Crisis Response team’s limitations include:
- Cannot make a placement or placement change.
- Cannot to use physical restraint.
Community Outreach Specialist team 507-328-6800
Who are they? The Outreach Community Response Team is located at the Government Center and are social workers with extensive clinical skills that can respond with Law Enforcement or on their own. They are “activated” through the Law Enforcement Dispatch Center.
How can they support you and the children in your home? The Community Response team attempts to answer calls in “real-time”. If they’re not available, Dispatch will direct calls to the Mobile Crisis Response team. They are able to triage the situation and determine if an in-person response is needed. They work collaboratively with social workers and probation officers and provide short-term support. They can help develop a short-term support and/or behavior plan with you and the youth in your home to fill the gap in time until a connection can be made with the placing social worker or other services.
Services offered include but are not limited to:
- Creating a behavior regulation plan.
- Providing ideas and support.
- Creating a short-term crisis stabilization plan.
- Developing a discharge plan with foster parents and youth discharged from hospital setting.
- Advocating for a youth that needs services in a hospital setting.
- Community Outreach Specialist team’s limitations include:
- Cannot make a placement or placement change.
- Do not have the capacity to have 24/7 staffing.
- It may take some time for them to respond as they provide a response to all of Olmsted County.
Southeast Regional Crisis Center (SERCC) 844-274-7472
Address: 2121 Campus Drive SE Rochester, MN 55904
Who are they? SERCC is an initiative of ten southeastern Minnesota counties that provides a walk-in crisis receiving and crisis stabilization clinic. Their goal is to provide immediate health care access for people experiencing a mental health crisis.
How can they support you and the children in your home? SERCC is a place you can go to receive immediate face to face intervention and support.
Services include:
- Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Clinic
- Serves all ages.
- Helps people cope with immediate stressors.
- Can stay and receive support for up to 23 hours.
- Assistance with developing safety and action plans.
- Short-term residential options
- Can be provided for up to 10 days.
- 24/7 supervision, nursing care, psychological care, care coordination and supported planning.
What are SERCC’s limitations?
- This is an unlocked facility.
- Cannot use physical restraints.
- Cannot chase after those who leave the facility.
- Cannot provide residential services to children under the age of 10.
Other helpful community resources
- Crisis Text Line 741741
- Mayo Clinic Cooperation Coach https://anxietycoach.mayoclinic.org/cooperation-coach/
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to live in Olmsted County?
Yes. For Olmsted County to license you as a foster care provider, you must live in Olmsted County. If you do not, you can check with the county that you live in.
Do I have to live in a house?
No. Apartments, condominiums, or mobile homes may be options.
Do I have to be married?
No.
Can I be a single parent?
Yes.
How old do I need to be?
You must be 21 years or older to be a licensed child foster care provider.
Can I work outside of my home?
Yes.
Who pays for the child's medical expenses?
All medical and dental expenses are provided for the child through the county or private insurance.
Can a foster child share a bedroom with my child?
Yes. Children of the same sex may share a bedroom when appropriate. Each child should have his/her own bed.
How long do foster children stay in foster homes?
Foster care varies in length depending on the child and his/her family's circumstances.
Can I adopt a foster child?
There are circumstances in which a foster child could be adopted. However, many other factors are considered first.
Is there financial support to help meet the needs of children in care?
Yes, the county provides financial support for foster families. The amount varies depending on the age and needs of the child. All medical and dental expenses are provided for the child through the county or private insurance. Foster care payments should at least cover expenses. Helping a person in need is a challenge - one that could change your life as well as the life of a child in your care.
Is my home okay?
Apartments, townhomes, single-family homes - all are appropriate locations for foster care or adopted children. Most foster children share a bedroom with a same-gender child close in age. They need to have their own beds; some need their own rooms. Most kids come with few possessions but will need a dresser drawer and a bit of closet space. If they come to you without adequate clothing for the season, the children's social worker will assist in obtaining a clothing allowance.
Who are the children in care?
Most of the children needing foster or adoptive families are in the social services system due to past abuse or neglect and have experienced trauma.
What are their needs?
Kids, like adults, can be depressed, anxious, fearful, and angry. Some have medical or developmental problems. Many have delayed social skills or special school needs. You'll work closely with social services, the school, therapists and other professionals, and, in many cases, with the child's extended family.
For further Information, contact us:
Child Foster Care
2117 Campus Drive SE
Suite 200
Rochester, MN 55904
If you have questions regarding completing the application, please contact a foster care social worker at:
fostercare@olmstedcounty.gov
507-328-6390
Financial information
(Northstar Care for Children) effective July 1, 2023
On July 1, 2023, child foster care rates increased based on changes in the USDA Estimates of the Cost of Raising a Child. If you currently have a child placed in your home, you will notice an increase in your July payment. Reminder, payment for July is received in August.
Northstar Care for Children rates are based on the Minnesota Assessment of Parenting for Children and Youth (MAPCY) tool. The MAPCY is more comprehensive than previous tools and assesses two areas of care: the child’s needs and what the caretaker is doing to meet those needs. The MAPCY allows for a more consistent and less subjective assessment. It also takes into consideration the child’s strengths and needs, and the extra parenting provided by the caregiver to meet the child’s needs. Foster parents will have an active role in completing the MAPCY tool.
Child foster care rates
Age of child | Daily basic rate | Ongoing clothing and personal needs | Initial clothing allowance |
---|---|---|---|
0 to 5 Years | $24.03 | $149 | $731.00 ($365.50/Year) |
6 to 12 Years | $28.47 | $177 | $866.00 ($433.00/Year) |
13 to 20 Years | $33.63 | $227 | $1023.00 ($511.50/Year) |
Supplemental level rates
Supplemental Level rates are determined using the Minnesota Assessment of Parenting for Children and Youth (MAPCY). The child’s social worker, foster parent, and the Northstar Specialist will complete the MAPCY together. The foster parents will then receive a letter, informing them of the rate.
Note: If the foster parent is given less than 24-hour notice of placement, then the emergency rate is paid for the first, eight days of care.
Emergency rates
Age of child | Daily rate |
---|---|
0 to 5 Years | $54.28 |
6 to 12 Years | $58.72 |
13 to 20 Years | $63.88 |
Ongoing clothing & personal needs
Foster parents must set aside a portion of the monthly rate for ongoing clothing and personal needs. The recommended amount (shown in this column) is 20% of the monthly rate (based on 31 days).
Initial clothing allowance
Clothing allowance is based on need, and foster parents must have prior approval of the child's social worker.
Childcare
The MAPCY assessment includes a childcare allowance when the foster parents are working and/or attending school and need childcare during those hours. The foster parent will be responsible for paying the childcare allowance directly to the childcare provider.
Licensed Family Child Care Providers and Licensed Child Care Centers will be paid per contract, including holidays, vacations, and/or sick days.
Legal, Unlicensed Providers are paid $30/day (full time) or $3/hour (part time).
Note: Regarding early learning scholarships: Some children may be eligible for an early learning scholarship. The Northstar Specialist will reach out to you if this is an option.
Ages 0-6
Hours | Foster parent's payment to childcare provider - Month 1 ONLY |
Foster parent's payment to childcare provider - After Month 1 |
---|---|---|
< 10 Hours/Week | $0/Month | $0/Month |
10-19 Hours/Week | $0/Month | $100/Month |
20-29 Hours/Week | $0/Month | $200/Month |
30-39 Hours/Week | $0/Month | $300/Month |
40 or More Hours/Wek | $0/Month | $400/Month |
Ages 7 through 12
Hours | Foster parent's payment to childcare provider - Month 1 ONLY | Foster parent's payment to childcare provider - After Month 1 |
---|---|---|
< 20 Hours/Week | $0/Month | $0/Month |
20-39 Hours/Week | $0/Month | $100/Month |
40 or More Hours/Week | $0/Month | $200/Month |
Respite rates
If the foster parent or the child’s social worker feels that a higher rate is warranted, the social worker can complete an additional assessment.
Age of Child | Daily Rate |
---|---|
0 to 5 Years | $54.28 |
6 to 12 Years | $58.72 |
13 to 20 Years | $63.88 |
Relief rates
Foster parents can receive up to 30 days of relief care per year. The relief provider receives the same daily rate that the regular provider receives for the child. The regular provider should also bill the daily rate for the child while he/she is in relief care. In other words, both the relief provider and the regular provider are paid for those days.
Additional reimbursement for full-time placements:
Please note that these additional funds are NOT available for respite placements.
Initial clothing
- All children receive an initial clothing allowance (please refer to the enclosed chart). This is a two-year allowance.
- Use of the clothing allowance must be PRE-APPROVED by the child’s social worker.
- Foster parents can either purchase the clothing and submit the receipts with their monthly voucher or request a voucher to Children’s Exchange.
- A voucher for Children’s Exchange can only be used ONE TIME. For example, the voucher is for $250 and you only purchase $150 of clothing. You cannot return to Children’s Exchange a month later and use that same voucher for the remaining $100. You must request a new voucher.
Ongoing clothing and personal needs
Because a clothing allowance is only issued once every two years, it is recommended that foster parents set aside 20% of their monthly reimbursement for the child’s ongoing clothing and personal needs.
Incidental expenses
- $35 per child for Christmas (the child must be in care during the month of December),
- $25 per day, up to seven days per year, for vacations (when the foster child accompanies the foster family), and up to $195 per child for miscellaneous expenses (e.g., driver's education, one-half the cost of music lessons). Use of the $195 must be PRE-APPROVED by the child’s case manager.
- Incidental funding is renewed yearly.
Mileage reimbursement for medical/therapy appointments
- The child must be receiving Medical Assistance.
- Please use the separate voucher entitled “MA Mileage Reimbursement”.
- You must include the appointment date, address where the child was picked up and dropped off, the number of miles and the health care provider’s name and address. Then mail the voucher to Family Support & Assistance, MA Transportation, 2117 Campus Drive SE, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55904 or fax the voucher to 507-328-7956 or email the voucher to marides@co.olmsted.mn.us.
- Please bring this form with you to the appointment as the healthcare provider will need to sign/verify each appointment.
Billing policies
Regular placements
Payment is made for the day that the child enters your care. Payment is not made for the day that the child leaves your care, unless he/she leaves after 3 p.m.
Example 1: A child enters placement on Friday, 2/14/23 at 6 p.m. and leaves on Friday, 2/21/23 at 2:30 p.m. The payment would be for seven days of care.
Example 2: A child enters placement on Friday, 2/14/23 at 6 p.m. and leaves on Friday, 2/21/23 at 5 p.m. The payment would be for eight days of care.
Note to foster parents and social workers:
- Please indicate on the reimbursement form and the "Notice of Change in Placement" form when a child leaves the foster home after 3 p.m. Then accounting can pay for the extra day.
- Record the day that the child was placed in care and the day that he/she left care. Accounting will adjust for the day that the child left care unless you indicate that the child left after 3 p.m.
- If the child is picked up from school after 3 p.m., the foster parent is not paid for the day that he/she leaves care because the child actually left the foster home earlier in the day.)
Emergency placements
Payment is made for both the day that the child enters care and the day that the child leaves care. It does not matter if the child leaves before or after 3 p.m.
Respite placements
Payment is made per half day.
- Drop-off before 12 p.m. = full day
- Drop-off after 12 p.m. = ½ day
- Pick-up before 12 p.m. = ½ day
- Pick up after 12 p.m. = full day
Example: A child enters care on Friday, 2/14/23 at 6 p.m. The child leaves care on Sunday, 2/16/23 at noon. The payment would be for two days of care (2/14/23 = ½ day, 2/15/23 =1 day, and 2/16/23=½ day).
Relief placements
The relief provider receives the same daily rate for the child that the regular foster parent receives for the child.
- Payment is made per half day.
- Drop-off before 12 p.m. = full day
- Drop-off after 12 p.m. = ½ day
- Pick-up before 12 p.m. = ½ day
- Pick up after 12 p.m. = full day
Example: A Child enters care on Friday, 2/14/23 at 6:30 p.m. The child leaves care on Sunday, 2/16/23 at 5 p.m. The payment would be for 2 ½ days (2/14/23 = ½ day, 2/15/23=1 day, and 2/16/23=1 day).
Reimbursement for preplacement visits
Pre-placement visits include:
- Children/Youth transitioning from a residential facility to a foster home or
- Children/Youth transitioning from a foster home to a pre-adoptive home.
If the child/youth is transitioning from a residential facility to a foster home,
- The provider will be reimbursed at the respite care rate (Level J of the MAPCY) for a maximum of 30 days.
- The child’s/youth’s case manager must have the approval of his/her program manager and/or the Associate Director for payment.
- The child’s/youth’s case manager must discuss with a program manager and/or the Associate Director whether or not payment will be made to the residential facility during this time. Note - The residential facility may or may not have their own policy regarding payment during this time.
If the child/youth is transitioning from a foster home to a pre-adoptive home,
- The pre-adoptive home will be reimbursed at the same rate as the current foster home for a maximum of 30 days.
- Payment to the current foster home continues during this time.
- The child’s/youth’s case manager must have the approval of his/her program manager and/or the Associate Director for payment.
Reimbursement for temporary absence from placement (i.e. runaway, JDC, shelter)
If the plan is for the youth to return to that foster home,
- The foster care provider can receive seven days of continued reimbursement.
- If the case manager changes that plan, and the youth is not going to return to the foster home,
- The case manager must immediately inform the foster parent, with follow up in writing as soon as possible.
If there is no plan to return the child to the foster home (agency decision or foster parent request),
- Then reimbursement for placement ends when the child runs from the home.
Reimbursement for damages
Foster parents need to be aware that foster care can involve extra wear and tear and occasional damage to their home. Some examples of “normal” wear and tear may include damaged wallpaper, soiled carpeting, writing on the walls, etc. Occasionally things may happen that go beyond what would be considered normal wear and tear such as intentional destruction of property, unauthorized phone calls or other things that result in a major expense.
Foster parents must take the following steps when requesting reimbursement for damages.
- Contact your licensor.
- Describe the extent of the damage and how it occurred.
- Provide an estimate of the cost to repair the damaged item(s).
Foster Care Staff:
- May ask you to consult with your homeowner’s insurance agency.
- May ask you to submit claim to Minnesota Joint Underwriting Association.
- Will ask program manager for permission to reimburse for the damage(s). Do not repair the damage(s) until foster care staff has informed you that payment was approved. Repairs made prior to approval for payment may not be reimbursed.
- When approved, payment can be made directly to the vendor, or payment can be made to the foster parent. If payment is made to the foster parent, the receipt must be attached to the foster parent’s monthly “Foster Care Provider Request for Payment.”
Minnesota Medical Assistance
All children placed in foster care more than 30 days are eligible for medical assistance.
If the child’s parent(s) already carry medical insurance for the child, medical assistance becomes a secondary insurance.
The child’s case manager will provide the foster parent with:
- the child’s medical assistance (PMI) number,
- the name of the child’s primary provider (clinic),
- enrolled health plan (Blue Plus or U Care) and
- the name of the child’s dentist.
The child must be seen by the identified primary provider or medical assistance will not cover the cost of care.
How do I submit a request for payment?
Reimbursement forms are completed on-line.
(Foster Care Provider Reimbursement Form (link opens to DocuSign form)
Please do not submit your reimbursement form until the 1st of the month. For example, you can request payment for October the 1st of November.
To complete the reimbursement form:
- Click "Foster Care Provider Reimbursement Form"
- Complete required information (name, address, city, state, ZIP, phone number)
- Enter information for which you are requesting payment
- Enter amounts, which will calculate automatically (there is a slight delay)
- Attach receipts, if applicable
- Electronically sign
- Submit
Accounting staff pays to the exact cent. Please note that your monthly reimbursement check will vary depending on the number of days in a given month. The reimbursement that you receive each month is determined by multiplying the daily rate times the number of days in the month.
reimbursement form. However, if you are caring for children from several different families, each family should be placed on a separate reimbursement form.
Make sure to record the exact dates that the child was in your care in the "Dates (from-to)" column of the reimbursement form. When a foster parent reports dates of care from 3/1/23 to 3/31/23, for example, but then asks to be reimbursed for only 10 days of care, it causes problems for accounting staff.
How will I receive payment?
You have two options for payment. You will receive payment within 35 days of receipt of your request for payment with either option.
- Option 1: You can have a check mailed to the address that you have provided.
- Option 2: You can sign up for direct deposit. This option requires that you create an account through Olmsted County’s Vendor Self Service system. In addition to direct deposit, the Vendor Self Service system allows you to inquire about pending payments or payment history, view tax information (if applicable) and related payment information, and update address information, phone information, etc.
How do I create an account through Olmsted County’s Vendor Self Service System?
- Begin by clicking on this link Vendor Self Service (olmstedcounty.gov).
- You will be prompted to create a username and password. Please be sure to write these down, as you will need them later to activate your account.
- You will then need to wait for an activation code. The code is typically sent within an hour on business days but can take up to 24 hours!! If you attempt to create an account on the weekend, you will not receive the code until the next business day (Monday).
- When you receive the code and log on for the first time, choose the option stating that you are an existing provider. That will bring up a search screen. Enter your tax identification number (typically your social security number). When your name appears, claim the account. For additional information, see the guide or video on the site “How to claim and existing Olmsted County vendor account documentation”.
- If you enter your tax identification number and were not recognized as an existing provider, you will be prompted to go back and complete the process for a new vendor. See the guide or video on the site “How to register for a new Olmsted County vendor account documentation”.
- If further assistance is needed, reach out to the Vendor Self Service team at vsshelp@olmstedcounty.gov.
Note: You cannot submit requests for payment through the vendor self-service system. You must follow the instructions provided in the previous section "Submitting a Request for Payment".
Support groups & ongoing training
Adoption/foster parent support group
Olmsted County sponsored parent led support group
Monthly every fourth Thursday
6:30 - 8 p.m.
2117 Campus Drive SE
Rochester, MN 5504
Questions: 507-328-6432 or debra.dalin@olmstedcounty.gov
Training
You are required to take a total of 12 hours per year. Use the Annual Training Record and Placement Tracking form (printable form) to keep track of your annual training.
Required once
You must complete this course within the first year of licensure. This is a comprehensive training series that covers topics including trauma, attachment, grief, loss, transracial parenting, overview of the child welfare system and more.
Minnesota Foster Care/Adoption Education Class
Required every five years
Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and Abusive Head Trauma (AHT)
- This training is required when caring for children ages 0-5. It is a series of videos that you must watch. After you have completed all of the videos on this page, you can download, print, and sign the training verification form that is located at the bottom of the web page.
- This class is required when caring for children under the age of 8. The link takes you to the MNDHS Develop login/registration page. After you've logged in, search under keyword C.A.R.S.
Required annually
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) basics (YouTube video)
MN Adopt FASD pre-recorded webinars
Children's Mental Health Issues and Treatment
- You must complete at least one hour on this subject. You can use classroom training, online course, watching videos, or reading books. The following are some suggestions:
- Mandated Reporting
- Mandated Reporting - Vulnerable Adults
Additional training resources
Please note: This is not an exhaustive list.
- Care Courses (Distance Learning for Early Childhood Professionals)
- Child Trauma Academy (CTA)
- Eager to Learn (E-learning Program of Child Care Aware of Minnesota)
- Foster Care Adoption Education Classes
- Foster Care & Adoptive Community Training
- Foster Parent College.com
- Free Foster Parent Training
- MNDHS Child Protection, Foster Care, Adoption: Training
- University of Minnesota: Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare
Therapy sessions
Therapy sessions can be counted for up to 6 hours of training/year if the foster parent participates in the entire session with the child. Please complete a self-study questionnaire and return the questionnaire to your licensor. If the foster parent is assigned homework (i.e. reading, implementing a specific plan), additional hours may be approved by your licensor.
New applicant:
There is required and elective training that needs to be completed before you are licensed. Your licensing worker will work with you to ensure these requirements are met.
Annual training:
Each foster parent must complete 12 hours of training per year. These hours include required and elective trainings.
If the foster parent has not completed the required annual training at the time of re-licensure and does not show good cause why the training was not completed, the foster parent may not accept new foster children until the training is completed.
Legal information
Court procedures
Permanency timeline:
When a child is placed out of the home of their primary caregiver, Olmsted County Health, Housing and Human Services (HHH) monitors this time. In order to place a child in foster care, we need to have custody of that child. We can be given custody of the child if the parent signs a Voluntary Placement Agreement or by having the police take custody of the child.
- Voluntary placement agreement signed: When the parent signs a voluntary placement agreement, it gives us time to file a petition with the court.
- Sometimes the children are returned to the care of their parent and a petition is not filed.
- If the children do not return to the care of their parent, we file a petition with the court. We need to be in front of a Judge on or before the children have been out of their parent’s care for 90 days.
- Calculating the permanency timeline:
- We allow up to 60 days of voluntary placement that does not count toward the permanency timeline.
- We determine the permanency timeline and continue to monitor parent’s progress toward case plan goals, child’s well-being; etc. When the children have been out of their parent’s care for 6 months (not including the first 60 days of voluntary placement), we inform the court of our intent for permanency.
- Maximum permanency is due when children have been out of their parent’s care for one year. We need to file a permanency petition with the court by 11 months of placement. Permanency may be achieved by filing a termination of parental rights, a transfer of physical and legal custody, or another agreed upon permanency petition.
- Police custody: If the police take police protective custody of a child and the parents do not sign a Voluntary Placement Agreement, we need to file an emergency petition and be in front of a Judge by 72 hours (we file petition within 1 day/24 hours, parents served on day 2, hearing takes place on day 3 (within 72 hours).
Hearings:
- Admit/Deny hearing: If parents admit to the statutes in the petition, then we move right to the pre-trial hearing. If they deny, then a settlement agreement/PPP is scheduled.
- ADMIT – If parents admit to the statutes in the petition, then we move right to the pre-trial.
- DENY – If the parents deny the statutes in the petition, then a Parallel Protection Process (PPP/settlement agreement) is scheduled. This meeting does not occur in the courtroom. Typically the following persons attend the PPP: parents, parent’s attorneys, guardian ad litem, social worker, and the county attorney. Parents can invite other support people (i.e. relatives and friends) to the PPP. During the PPP, we work to get the parents to settle and admit to the statutes in the petition, thereby avoiding a trial.
- Pre-trial: If parents admit to the petition (either at the admit/deny hearing or at the PPP), they do it formally in front of the Judge at this hearing. If they deny, the Judge is informed of this and there will be a trial.
- Dispositional hearing: Case plan is approved. This hearing is sometimes avoided if a case plan is approved at the pre-trial hearing.
- Trial: A trial only occurs if the parent or parents deny/a settlement is not reached.
- Review hearing: These are typically every three months to give the court an update on the family and children. These hearings can be more frequent and a party can request one prior to an already scheduled hearing if they believe there are grounds to have one (if there are concerns they believe need to be reported to the court).
- Permanency progress review hearing: We notify the court of our intent for permanency within six months of the child/children being placed out of the home of their primary caregiver. We may continue with reunifications efforts or inform the court that we are choosing to file for permanency (terminate parental rights, transfer custody or other agreed upon permanency petition) at this hearing.
If we file for permanency, these hearings start over again. The only one that would not occur for a permanency petition would be the PPP.
(Updated September 23, 2021)
Definitions
Child Welfare Information Gateway Glossary
Disclosure statement foster care, adoption, & concurrent planning
Definitions:
- FOSTER CARE - Providing short term, substitute care to children who will likely return to their birth families.
- CONCURRENT PLANNING - Providing foster care to children while joining with the agency to help reunify these children with their birth families. If reunification is not possible, your family is willing to adopt the children so they do not have to move to another placement. Your role will include active contact with the child’s birth family.
- ADOPTION - Olmsted County Community Services works with children who had parental rights terminated as a result of abuse or neglect or sometimes other situations. These children are committed to state guardianship, and our goal is to find them a permanent home where there is a legal bond with the parents. You may be referred to a private agency (see attached list) to complete your home study.
Minimal criteria for completion of a home study
- All applicants must attend an Informational Session.
- Prior to licensure all applicants must complete the following training:
- Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome
- Abusive Head Trauma
- Child Restraint Systems
- Mental Health
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
- Normalcy, Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard
- Comfort Calls
- Mandated Reporting
- An additional 4 hours of training in the following areas: Attachment, Trauma
- All applicants must complete Minnesota Foster Care/Adoption Education Class. The training must be completed within the first year of licensure. This is a two day training (8:00 AM to 5:30 PM). Applicants must attend both days. The training will be offered quarterly in Olmsted County.
- All applicants must complete 4 hours of training (in addition to the informational session) before the home study is initiated.
- Must reside in Olmsted County.
- Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application. There is no upper age limit.
- A request for licensure cannot be denied based on marital status.
- Applicants can work outside the home.
- The applicant and all household members must provide a signed statement which indicates that they are receiving all necessary medical care, do not pose a risk to the child’s health, and are physically able to care for foster children. They must also indicate any limitations that the applicant and/or household members may have that would impact their parenting abilities. NOTE: This information is requested on the “Individual Fact Sheet” which is part of the application packet. Please do not answer these questions with “none” or “not applicable”. Please answer these questions with a statement such as:
“My husband, my children and I have no diagnosed heath concerns or conditions.”
“I have high blood pressure which is controlled by medication and diet.” - The applicant and adult household members must sign a statement, indicating that they have been free of chemical use problems for the past two years. NOTE: This information is requested on the “Individual Fact Sheet” which is part of the application packet. Please do not answer these questions with “none” or “not applicable”. Please answer these questions with a statement such as:
“I do not and have never used or abused chemicals.”
“I have been free of any chemical use issues for 15 years.” - The licensing agency may consult with a specialist in such areas as health, mental health, or chemical dependency to evaluate the abilities of the applicant to provide a safe environment for foster/Concurrent Planning children. An independent evaluation may be recommended in some cases and would be at the family’s expense.
- All household members who are 13 years of age or older must pass a criminal background check. They must also pass a social service check (no history of abuse or neglect of children or vulnerable adults). Foster children or adults who have been placed in your home are exempt from a background check.
- Must provide the licensing agency with the names and addresses of three references (non-relatives), and the agency will send the reference letters/questionnaires.
- There should be no major changes within the household in the past year.
- Provide the licensing agency with any previous foster care or adoption studies that were completed by other agencies for which the applicant applied for foster care licensure or adoption.
- A license holder/adoptive parent may be licensed through only one Minnesota-licensed child placing agency or county social services agency at a time.
- The licensing agency must make a determination as to whether a prospective license holder and foster parent can provide appropriate structure and is suitable to be licensed if a prospective license holder or foster parent has had either of the following:
- A child for whom the applicant is legally responsible was removed from the applicant’s home and placed in foster care, a correctional facility, or a residential treatment center for severe emotional disturbance under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 260C, within one year prior to the date of application; or
- The applicant has a child in voluntary foster care under Minnesota Statutes, section 260C.212, subdivision 8, 260C.193, 260C.201, or 260C.205.
- Physical home
- Must comply with fire, health, building, and zoning codes.
- The licensing agency will inspect the home for compliance with licensing standards.
- Each foster child must be provided with a separate, suitably sized bed. Two siblings of the same gender may share a double bed.
- Children of the same gender may share a bedroom.
- Sleeping space must be in an area of the home that is not used for a second purpose (i.e., a family room).
- The foster child must have an identified space for clothing and personal belongings. This space may be shared with other children.
- The dining area must be able to accommodate all persons residing in the home at one time.
Fees:
Olmsted County Community Services does not charge a home study fee for county residents:
- Who are requesting a child foster care license,
- Who desire to adopt children from the Child Welfare System that are legally free and waiting for adoption, or
- Who desire to participate in Concurrent Planning.
The client/applicant will be responsible for the payment of other services such as the following:
- Psychological and/or chemical dependency evaluations if recommended
- State Fire Marshall inspection
The foster home may need to be inspected by the State Fire Marshall ($50 fee) if:- The foster home contains a freestanding solid fuel heating appliance;
- The foster home is a manufactured home as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 327B.01, subdivision 13, and was manufactured before June 15, 1976;
- The licensing agency identifies a potential hazard in a single-family detached home, or a mixed or multiple-occupancy building;
- The home is licensed for four or more foster children; or
- The foster home has a foster child sleeping in a room that is 50% or more below ground level.
- Families may request information on attorney referral services. The fees assessed by an attorney are the responsibility of the adoptive family. If the child qualifies for a subsidy, the adoptive family can be reimbursed for those attorney fees.
There are no agency fees following placement.
The family is responsible for all fees associated with finalizing an adoption. In cases of subsidized adoption, these fees will be reimbursed up to $2000.
Placements:
- All placements must be mutually agreed upon by the family and the agency.
- If any member of the household has admitted to, been convicted of, or substantial evidence exists of certain criminal activities and/or the abuse or neglect of children/vulnerable adults:
- The foster care license may be denied, suspended, or revoked;
- The foster child may be removed from the home; and
- The adoption may be suspended or terminated.
- No guarantees can be made to an adoptive couple regarding the length of time they may wait for a placement. Placements have been made by this agency anywhere from a few days after the home study has been completed up to 5 years later. There is no guarantee that an adoptive placement will ever be made.
- Licensure under parts 2960.3000 to 2960.3340 is not an entitlement, a right, or a guarantee that children will be placed in the foster home. The agency responsible for the child retains the right to choose which licensed foster home is best suited for an individual child in need of foster care placement. The focus is on finding a home for the child, not a child for the home.
- Foster care placement is governed by the statement of intended use developed by the licensing agency and the license holder. The license holder may decline to accept a foster child without a stated reason.
The agency services will include
- Completing all the requirements for a home study,
- Adequately preparing the family for all placements,
- Answering questions that the family may have regarding billing, etc,
- Assisting the family in accessing agency and community resources that will meet the needs of the child and family, and
- Providing post-placement and finalization services in the case of adoption.
The home study becomes the property of Olmsted County community services. Under Minnesota law, this family profile will be used for the purpose mutually agreed upon by Olmsted County and the family.
Notice of Privacy Practices
This notice describes how medical information and other private information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Review it carefully.
This information is available in other forms to people with disabilities by contacting us at (651) 431-6500 (voice). TTY/TDD users can call the Minnesota Relay at 711 or (800) 627-3529. For the Speech-to-Speech Relay, call (877) 627-3848.
MNDHS Division of Licensing/Office of Inspector General Notice of Privacy Practices
Mandated Reporting
Maltreatment of Minors Mandated Reporting Policy for DHS Licensed Programs
Resource Guide for Mandated Reporter
Statutes
MN Administrative Rules 2960.3000 Foster Family Settings
MN Statute 245D.06 Protection Standards
MN Statute 245D.061 Use of Manual Restraints
MN Statue 260E Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors
MN Statue 2960.3080 Placement, Continued Stay and Discharge
Instructions, tip sheets, best practices
Babysitting / Childcare / Substitute Caregivers
Using Relative Visits and Alternative Child Care Arrangements
Babysitting Guidelines/Childcare/Substitute Caregivers
As a foster parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that children in your care receive appropriate supervision while living in your home. When it is necessary to be absent from the home for a short time, appropriate babysitting arrangements must be made for your own children and foster children in your care.
What is babysitting?
Babysitting is considered short-term care and supervision of children for less than 24 hours that occurs on an occasional basis; it may be in a foster home or in the home of a sitter.
Hiring a babysitter
Apply the Reasonable Prudent Parent Standard when assessing and selecting a babysitter. Use the same good judgment in determining if a person is appropriate to occasionally babysit a foster child that you would use in considering someone to care for your own children. When hiring a babysitter, it is important to consider a foster child’s age, physical, developmental and social needs. The sitter you choose must be capable of meeting all of the needs of each child.
Can a youth (your own child, relative, or neighbor) be a babysitter?
Anyone age 14 or older whom you know to be sufficiently reliable and mature may care for foster children. This may include your own child, a relative, or neighbor. The length of babysitting time depends on the maturity and needs of each child, and the maturity of the babysitter.
Can a youth in foster care be a babysitter?
Foster parents are encouraged to provide and support age and developmentally appropriate experiences for foster children and youth. Apply the prudent parent standard to determine if a foster youth is permitted to provide occasional supervision for other children, including your own children, if they are interested in providing care and are sufficiently responsible to do so. Allowing a foster youth to provide occasional supervision to other foster children in your home requires careful consideration; discussion with a child’s case manager as part of case planning is encouraged to ensure they are developmentally prepared for this responsibility. Youth who have been sexually aggressive or physically assaultive, or have other restrictions related to unsupervised contact with children, may not babysit.
Do babysitters require a Minnesota Department of Human Services background study?
A background study is not required.
Are babysitters required to complete training?
Babysitters are not required to complete training, although CPR and first aid training may be helpful. A foster home’s discipline policy should be reviewed with a sitter.
Basic guidelines for using a babysitter include:
- Meet the sitter in advance.
- Ensure a sitter is mature enough to handle common emergencies and provide first aid.
- Have a sitter spend time with you before babysitting to meet the children and learn their routines.
- Show a sitter around the house. Point out fire escape routes and potential problem areas. Instruct a sitter to leave the house with the children right away in case of fire and call the fire department from a neighbor’s house.
- Discuss children’s feeding, bathing and sleeping arrangements with babysitter.
- Tell your sitter about any allergies or specific needs of each child.
- Have emergency supplies available, including a flashlight, first aid chart and supplies.
- Tell sitter where you will be and how long you expect to be gone. If you will be gone longer than expected, contact the sitter to let them know when you will be home.
- Ensure you have an operable phone in the home. Post your address, phone number and emergency numbers near the phone.
- Provide the phone number of a neighbor, or someone else who can assist in an emergency, if you cannot be reached right away.
- Be certain that sitter is aware that they should never leave children alone or unattended in the house—even for a minute.
- Establish rules for a sitter, especially if a teenager, such as no visitors in the home while they are babysitting, use of cell phone and other electronic devices, etc.
- Determine rules regarding transporting children while in the care of a babysitter.
Childcare
Childcare may be utilized when:
- the foster parent is working, or
- the foster parent is attending school, and
- the foster parent needs child care during those hours.
When child care is requested by the social worker or other professional based on the child’s emotional, social or developmental needs (i.e. the foster parent is not working or attending school); the social worker must get prior approval from his/her supervisor.
You may choose a licensed family child care provider, a licensed child care center or a legal, unlicensed child care provider. However, if you choose a legal unlicensed child care provider, the provider must meet the following criteria:
- provider and other adults present during child care hours must pass a public background study,
- provider and other caregivers must complete sudden unexpected infant death syndrome training,
- provider and other caregivers must complete abusive head trauma training, and
- provider and other caregivers must complete child passenger restraint training if they will be transporting the child.
Expectations of foster parent
- During the home study process, discuss child care needs. Update as needed (i.e. change in work or school hours).
- Assist in the search for child care.
- Assist the placing social worker in completing enrollment paperwork (i.e. emergency contact information, drop- off and pick-up times, etc.).
- Review the child care provider’s policies.
- Inform the child care provider if the child is ill or is absent for some other reason.
- Inform the placing social worker if there is an incident at child care (i.e. injury, behavior) or if there is a concern about the child care.
- Provide a termination notice (per the child care provider’s policy).
- Provide payment (foster parent share) to the child care provider each month as stated in the previous section.
Substitute Caregivers (Relief Care, Day Care, Etc.)
- Substitute caregivers must complete an Adam Walsh Background Study if they are providing care in the foster parents’ home. The forms needed to complete this study are as follows:
- Notice of privacy practices
- CFC BGS Data Collection Form
- Consent/Authorization for Release of Information (if the substitute caregiver resided outside of Minnesota within the past 5 years)
- Substitute caregivers must complete a public background study if they are providing care outside the foster parent’s home. The forms needed to complete this study are as follows:
- Notice of privacy practices
- CFC BGS Data Collection Form
- Per Minnesota Statute, Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome (SUIDS) Training and Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) Training must be completed by all caregivers, staff persons and helpers before caring for children (0 through 5 years). The training must be repeated every 5 years.
- Per Minnesota Statute, before transporting a child under age nine in a motor vehicle, all caregivers, staff persons, and helpers must complete Child Passenger Restraint Training. Child Passenger Restraint Training must be repeated every 5 years.
- Substitute caregivers must review, sign and comply with the “Foster Care Confidentiality Statement.”
- Substitute caregivers must review, sign and comply with the “Discipline Policy.”
- Substitute caregivers must review, sign and comply with the “License Holder’s Policy Regarding Chemical Use.”
Please call your licensor to request the forms/training listed above.
Complaint procedure
Allegation or complaint
An allegation or complaint is an accusation or charge from a party who is objecting or questioning the behavior(s) of the provider and/or treatment of the client(s). Who makes complaints? Foster child/children, birth parent(s), neighbors, school officials, social workers, medical professionals or any person in the community may make an allegation.
There are different complaint categories
- Maltreatment (family only)--investigated by Child Protection
- Maltreatment/Licensing (foster child/children)--investigated by Child Protection and your Licensor
- Licensing (foster child/children)--investigated by your Licensor
- Neither (A concern, but not listed under the Child Foster Care Rule or Child Protection)--May be addressed by the foster care licensor.
An assessment is completed
- Talk to the reporter and others who may have information.
- You can provide names of other persons who may have information about the complaint.
- Consult other foster care staff and supervisor
A determination is made
- Child Protection-Maltreatment or no maltreatment; services needed or services not needed
- Licensing-Occurred; did not occur; no determination could be made
Outcomes or actions
- Discussion
- Correction Order- (written citation of licensing violation)
- Recommendation to the Department of Human Services for a Negative Licensing Action
- Conditional License-(involves restrictions, additional training, additional visits)
- Suspension-(discontinuing care for a specific period of time)
- Revocation-(license to provide foster care is taken away
- Immediate suspension-(must stop providing foster care services immediately)
Complaints are discussed with the provider. You are given the opportunity to relate your side of the situation. When the finding is made and you are in disagreement, you have the right to request reconsideration of the decision.
The purpose of this information is to raise your awareness of what may happen if an allegation is made against you. Remember to document incidents as they occur. Familiarize yourself with the licensing rule (Child Foster Care Rule) as it defines expectations. If you have questions regarding the allegation/complaint process or the Child Foster Care Rule, please contact your licensor.
Child Protection / Licensing Complaint Protocol
A complaint comes into Intake, Case Manager, Licensor, Etc. Intake screens the complaint and refers it to either the RED Team or Licensing.
RED Team - Protocol Meeting
(If abuse / Neglect issues may be present)
At Protocol: A determination of whether a child protection assessment is needed. If it is not needed, then the complaint goes to Licensing. If an assessment is needed then it is referred to the Child Protection Assessor.
Prior to the assessment interviews Olmsted County informs the foster parents of the advocacy program.
The Child Protection Assessor completes the assessment and takes the necessary action. A licensor may accompany the assessor on the interviews. The assessor then takes the necessary action and makes a determination/finding of maltreatment or no maltreatment. And determines if services are needed or no services are needed.
The assessor notifies the foster family and Licensing of the findings.
Licensing then reviews the findings for rule violations.
Licensing
(If rule violation only)
Licensing assesses for rule violation.
If a rule violation has occurred, then the licensor issues a Correction Order and/or recommends a negative action to the Department of Human Services.
DHS makes a decision whether to act on the County's recommendation.
DHS notifies the foster parent and Licensing of the determination and lets the foster parent know their appeal rights.
Disasters, emergencies, or injuries
Safe Kids Minnesota, coordinated by the Minnesota Safety Council since its formation in 1988, can help. It's a statewide network of local coalitions, organizations and individuals dedicated to preventing unintentional injuries, the leading cause of death for to children and teens.
Contact your Foster Care Licensing Social Worker and Child’s Social Worker and complete “Incident Report for Foster Provider” when:
- Accidents with or without injury in which medical attention was sought (i.e. accidents involving vehicles, bikes, sports, etc.)
- Illness – serious enough for you to consider and/or seek medical attention
- Natural or man made disasters (flood, tornado, terrorist attack, etc). The agency has a plan for making contact in such events to check on both the welfare of the child and foster family. So don’t be surprised if we contact you after a disaster in the community.
- Any injury or near injury involving the foster child (i.e. fall down the stairs, rough horse-play, etc.)
- Unaccountable whereabouts of the foster child (wandered off, runaway, etc.)
- Foster child has harmed or threatened another child or person
- Foster child has gotten into a serious physical altercation
Emergency / exit plan is posted on the child’s bedroom door. A mock walk through with children that are old enough to participate on how to exit the house in the event of a fire and where to gather is recommended. See “Making a Home Fire Escape Plan” – Minnesota Safety Council.
It is recommended that you have the Licensing worker and child’s Social Worker’s number posted in more than one place – child’s bedroom door, on the refrigerator, and a location outside of the home (car, shed, etc.)
Please contact the child’s worker and licensing worker when it is reasonable and/or safe to do so after an accident, disaster, illness, etc.
Foster Provider Liability Insurance
Minnesota Joint Underwriting Association
2400 Portland Avenue S, Suite 190
Burnsville, MN 55337
Phone: (952) 641-0260
Fax: (952) 641-0274
www.mjua.org
Who is covered?
Adult and child family foster care providers and family adult day services providers in
the State of Minnesota licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services,
Minnesota Department of Corrections, and those licensed and approved by Indian Tribal
Governments.
What is covered?
We will pay damages you become legally obligated to pay for as a result of injury or
damage in the course of providing foster care. This includes:
- Injury caused by a foster client - $250,000 per occurrence/$1,000,000 aggregate
- limit
- Injury to client for alleged negligent care by the foster care provider - $250,000
- per occurrence/$1,000,000 aggregate limit
- Damage to someone else's property caused by foster client- $250 limit
- Damage to foster client's property- $250 limit
What is not covered?
Basic exclusions to the policy include:
- Damage to any property that is owned by, rented to, or leased by the provider or
- anyone in the provider's household
- Damages arising out of an act or omission that a reasonable person would know
- is likely to result in injury or property damage
- Any injury or property damage resulting from the operation or use of a auto,
- aircraft or watercraft
- Damages arising out of sexual abuse or molestation
- Please refer to the policy for a complete list of what the policy does not cover.
What to do if you have a claim or an incident?
If something should happen in the course of providing foster care or adult day services that
may result in a claim or law suit against you, it is your duty to notify MJUA. The policy
requires that you provide MJUA with a written report. Incident report forms are available
on the MJUA web site www.mjua.org. We also ask that you call to report an incident as
soon as possible. Also, if you have a question as to whether something is covered, please
call.
If you need to report an incident or have questions, please call Dan Haldorson, Claims Specialist at 952-641-0262 or 1-800-552-0013.
Written incident reports can be mailed to
MJUA, 12400 Portland Avenue South, Suite 190,
Burnsville, MN 55337,
Faxed to 952-641-0274 or emailed to Dan Haldorson at danh@mjua.org.
The information contained in this brochure is in no way meant to expand or limit the
coverage of the policy that is discussed. It is simply a brief overview of the coverage and
any question regarding the actual coverage of the policy is determined by the policy
language.
Illnesses & hospitalization of foster placements
Hospitalization
The foster care provider will:
- Arrange and attend all pre-hospitalization medical appointments with the child/adult.
- Contact Social Worker as soon as possible.
- Contact After Hours Social Worker at 535-5625 if hospitalization takes place in the night or on the weekend.
- Be present at the hospital during admission. Bring the child’s/adult’s MA card. Do not sign for anything that requires the signature of a legal guardian.
- In the case of an emergency admission, stay with the child/adult until the Social Worker has been contacted and treatment has begun.
- Be present at the hospital during any surgical procedures unless alternative plans (e.g., the natural parents will be present) have been made.
- Evaluate your home situation and report needed assistance to the Social Worker:
A. Ask for immediate help if necessary.
B. Baby-sitting services or respite care for other children in the home.
C. Home health care aide to help after child/adult is home.
D. Public Health Nursing services. - Provide necessary care at home and attend follow up appointments with the child.
The Social Worker will:
- Obtain all signed surgical permission forms when necessary.
- Contact parents/guardian and facilitate appointments with attending physician if desired.
- Arrange any alternation of visitation plans while child is hospitalized.
- Be present at admission to hospital if possible.
- Be immediately available or carry a cell phone during any surgical procedure or arrange for backup.
- Arrange any necessary assistance needed by foster family both during hospitalization and immediately following hospitalization.
Medical consent and Do not resuscitate (DNR) protocol
Medical consent for children in foster care:
The legal parent, Indian custodian or guardian retains the right to consent for medical treatment for the minor child except in the case of Emergency Care.
(Minn. Stat. 144.344 states that medical, dental, mental, and other health services may be rendered to minors of any age without the consent of the parent or legal guardian when, in the professional’s judgment, the risk to the minor’s life or health is of such a nature that treatment should be given without delay and the requirement of consent would result in delay or denial of treatment).
If the child’s parent or guardian refuses to consent to decisions essential to the child’s well-being, the local agency must seek a court order authorizing the local agency to act for the child.
If there is a question about whether a decision requires parental or judicial consent, the agency must consult the court (MN Rule 9560.0552, subp.2).
Do not resuscitate (DNR) protocol for foster parents:
A foster child with an existing medical condition considered by the physician and parent(s) to be irreversible and for which the physician and parent(s) believe that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should not be performed may have a “do not resuscitate” directive.
The foster child’s physician and parent(s) shall:
- give a directive to the Olmsted County Case Manager by having the physician give an order in writing with parent’s or legal guardian’s signature.
The child’s case manager will:
- take the signed order to the foster home at the time of placement or when a DNR is ordered by the physician.
The foster parent(s) must:
- have a designated place for the written physician’s order, which is known to all family members or anyone responsible for the care of the child (personal care assistant, relief worker, baby-sitter, etc.). The order should be very clear and concise and kept up-to-date.
The order for notification for medical emergency will be:
- Dial 911;
- Notify the parent(s) or legal guardian. Foster providers will be provided with home and work numbers of the child’s parent(s)/guardian(s) at the time of placement;
- Notify the case manager or crisis worker (after hours and on weekends); and
- The physician’s order is presented to the emergency response team upon arrival.
Notice regarding children who are wards of the state
(i.e., parental rights to the child have been terminated and the child is now under guardianship of the commissioner): Please see the MN Department of Human Services “Policy on Allow Natural Death/Do Not Resuscitate (AND/DNR) or Other End-of-life Care Orders for Children Under Guardianship of the Commissioner.” Link: Policy on DNR/DNI (state.mn.us)
Medical exams & Medical assistance
The child’s case manager will:
- Ensure that he/she had a physical examination within the 12 months prior to placement.
- If the child did not have a physical examination within the 12 months prior to placement, he/she must have a physical examination within 30 days of the initial placement.
- If this was an emergency placement and the child was at high risk at the point of placement, a physical examination must be completed within one week of placement.
- Ensure that the child has a physical examination at least yearly after that.
The foster parent(s) will:
- Provide the child with timely access to basic, emergency, and specialized medical, mental health, and dental care and treatment services by qualified persons.
- Maintain a record of illness reported by the child, action taken by the foster parent, and the date of the child’s medical, psychological, or dental care.
- Report to the agency any serious illness or accident involving the foster child.
Minnesota Medical Assistance
All children placed in foster care more than 30 days are eligible for medical assistance.
If the child’s parent(s) already carry medical insurance for the child, medical assistance becomes a secondary insurance.
The child’s case manager will provide the foster parent with:
- the child’s medical assistance (PMI) number,
- the name of the child’s primary provider (clinic),
- enrolled health plan (Blue Plus or U Care) and
- the name of the child’s dentist.
The child must be seen by the identified primary provider or medical assistance will not cover the cost of care.
Medication administration & storage
Medication administration guidelines
Over the counter medications:
- Always follow label instructions regarding age of child, dosage, etc. Check with physician before giving medication if indicated on the label.
- Ask parent/social worker about any known allergies.
- Check expiration date on label. Do not give child/youth expired medications. If the medication was given to you by the child’s parent, return the expired medication to the parent or social worker.
- Medications must be stored where they are inaccessible to young children. See “Storage of Medication Requirements.”
- Prior to a home visit, there must be a conversation between the foster parent, parent, and social worker regarding who will be giving the child his/her medication.
Prescription medications:
- The medication must be in its original container or duplicate container from the pharmacy. The container must have a legible label (never remove the label) from the pharmacy indicating –
- Child’s name
- Date
- Name of medicine
- Dosage and time
- Expiration date of medication
- Doctor’s/nurse practitioner’s name
- Pharmacy name and telephone number
- Medications are to be given only to the child indicated on the label (i.e., siblings, other foster children, foster parent’s own children cannot share).
- Label constitutes the physician’s/nurse practitioner’s order.
- Samples must be accompanied by a doctor’s written prescription.
- Ask parent/social worker about any known side effects. If parent or social worker does not know the side effects, contact a pharmacist.
“A child may experience side effects from a medication even if the desired effect occurs. Observe the child for any physical (e.g., allergies) or behavioral side effects during the first few hours or days following the use of a new medication. If a child develops an unexpected or dangerous side effect, medical advice should be sought immediately.” (Social Services Department, Wirral, England, February 2008)
- Medications must be stored where they are inaccessible to young children. See “Medication Storage Requirements.”
- Do not give child/youth expired medications. Return expired medications to the child’s parent or social worker.
- Return any medications that are no longer prescribed for the child (i.e., medication has been discontinued by the child’s physician or the dosage has been changed) to the child’s parent or social worker.
- Prior to a home visit, there must be a conversation between the foster parent, parent, and social worker regarding who will be giving the child his/her medication.
- If the child is given the wrong medication, a dose is missed, or the child refuses to take the medication; seek medical advice. Then inform the child’s social worker. The child’s social worker will inform his/her parent as needed.
The five R’s of medication administration:
- Right child – Properly identify the child. If the child is old enough, ask him/her to state his/her name.
- Right medication – Administer the correct medication. Check three times prior to administration.
- Right dose – Administer the right amount of medication.
- Right time – Administer medication at the prescribed time. This can usually be within 30 minutes earlier or later than the designated time unless otherwise specified by the physician or pharmacist.
- Right route – Use the prescribed method of medication administration.
(Minnesota Department of Health, September 2005)
Medication storage requirements
Per Minnesota Rule, 2960.3050, Subpart 1, “Medication is inaccessible to children and vulnerable adults as needed. Schedule II controlled substances are stored in a locked area.” Child Foster Care Staff recently reviewed and developed the following guidelines for the storage of all medications in licensed child foster care homes. Please make these changes immediately.
- Schedule II controlled substances must always be locked, regardless of the child’s/youth’s age. Some examples of schedule II controlled substances are those prescribed for ADHD (Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin) and those prescribed for pain control (Codeine, Oxycodone).
- When caring for children/youth under the age of 14, all medications (prescribed and over the counter) must be locked. Approved locking mechanisms are: a keyed lock, a digital lock, or a child proof magnetic lock (see attached picture).
- When caring for youth age 14 and older, providers should consider the youth’s individual needs when storing medication. For example, if the youth is a suicide risk, medications should be locked.
- Lifesaving medications (i.e. EpiPen, rescue inhalers, etc.) – Lifesaving medications should be stored on a high shelf but do not need to be locked.
If a child/youth ingests a medication or other toxic substance, seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 and/or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222).
Please keep in mind, per Minnesota Rule, 2960.3050, Subpart 1, chemicals, detergents and other toxic substances must also be inaccessible to children and vulnerable adults as needed.
If you have any questions, please contact your child foster care social worker/licensor
*******EXAMPLES OF CHILD PROOF MAGNETIC LOCKS: These locks can be purchased at Walmart, Home Depot, Mendards, Etc. Pictures are not of good quality. Need new pictures that meet county website standards.**********
Taking a foster child out of state
If you are traveling out of state with a foster child please do the following:
- Get permission from the child’s social worker.
- Inform the child’s social worker and your licensor where you will be and a telephone number you may be reached at.
- Have the child’s social worker provide you a letter stating that you have permission from Olmsted County to have the child with you out of state.
- Take medical assistance cards with you in the event the foster child needs to be taken to a doctor or hospital.
- Have available the social worker’s phone number and the crisis number for emergency contacts.