An individual/family (licensed by the county) who is willing and able to temporarily care for another family’s child (under 18 years of age), by providing that child with a safe home, food, water, bed, bedroom, storage for personal belongings, and other necessities. The child will be cared for by the foster family until the child can be reunited with his/her birth family or permanent placement has been arranged.

• Work closely with FMCHS, such as Child Protection workers and the Licensor
• Comply with Child Foster Care Licensing Requirements
• Provide confidentiality of the foster children and their families (past, present, and future foster children)
• Treat the foster child as a member of the family
• Ensure the foster child’s medical, mental, dental, vision, and educational needs are met
• Support the foster child’s connection/visitation with his/her birth family
• Advocate for the foster child
• Provide the foster child with structure, routine, and a safe, healthy life
• Only accept foster children placed by Faribault and Martin Counties Human Services
• Cooperate and participate with the foster child’s case plan
• Respect the foster child’s background (history, religion, race, culture, sexual orientation)
• Report to FMCHS of any plans to move or change of household members, prior to the move/change
• Abide by the Discipline Policy (see “Forms”)
• Participate in training and educational opportunities
• Foster parents are mandated reporters

• Reside in Faribault or Martin Counties
• Cooperate with the FMCHS
• Have patience
• Applicant(s) and household members must pass a background check
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Can be single, married, divorced, widowed
• Have children of their own or no children
• Must be able to meet the basic needs of a foster child
• Provide appropriate sleep space to foster children:
  
  • A separate bed/crib provided to each foster child
  • Bedrooms must have 2 exits
• Applicants can own or rent their home
• Must be responsible and financially stable
• Have reliable transportation
• Be flexible and adaptable
• Provide a smoke-free environment to foster children