Family Licensing Process

All foster care licensing requirements must be met prior to placement.  The process of becoming a foster parent takes approximately 3 to 6 months.  Clients will work closely with the Foster Care Process Coordinator and Foster Care Family Worker for guidance and support in completing the process.

A woman and a girl pack a backpack in a kitchen

Steps to Become a Licensed Foster Care Provider

Step 1

Information Session

Your first step toward becoming a foster parent.

During this introductory session, families can explore whether foster care is the right fit for them. The information session provides:

  • An overview of foster care opportunities at EVOLVE
  • Information on the children and families served by our programs
  • Program expectations, requirements, and timeframes
  • Time and space to ask questions
Step 2

Submit an Application

Begin the formal licensing process.

After attending an information session, interested families complete and submit an EVOLVE foster care application. Once submitted:

  • A manager will review your application and complete an assessment.
  • You will receive all necessary paperwork to move forward.

Note: Your timeliness in returning paperwork can affect the overall licensing timeline.

Step 3

Intake Meeting

Meet 1:1 with EVOLVE staff to prepare for your journey.

During the intake meeting, we learn more about you, your household, and the type of caregiving experience you hope to provide. We will:

  • Review your goals, strengths, and support systems.
  • Discuss foster care expectations and responsibilities.
  • Outline next steps and answer questions about training and home study.
Step 4

Paperwork & Training

Complete required forms and trainings before your home study begins.

Families will receive all necessary forms after submitting an application and completing the manager’s assessment. All paperwork and background studies must be completed and returned before the home study process can start.

In-Person Required Training

  • Foster Care Education — 8 hours
  • Parenting Children in a Diverse Society — 8.5 hours
  • Car Seat Safety Training — 3 hours (for families caring for children age 8 & under)

Online Required Training

Please complete an Education Verification Form for each online training and send completed forms to fostercare@evolveservices.org.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Abusive Head Trauma Training — must watch all videos:

Required for all foster care providers:

  • Children’s Mental Health Training
  • Normalcy and Prudent Parenting Standards Training
  • Comfort Call Training

Topics covered during training include, but are not limited to: roles and responsibilities of foster parents, cultural competency, mandated reporting, managing birth family dynamics, trauma, grief and loss, mental health, and attachment.

Step 5

Home Study

A comprehensive, collaborative assessment of your readiness to foster.

The foster care home study gathers information about your family through a series of interviews and a home inspection. During this process, we:

  • Meet with potential providers and all current household members.
  • Discuss personal history, caregiving styles, and support systems.
  • Conduct a home inspection to ensure all licensing-space and environmental safety requirements are met.

Your Foster Care Family Worker will guide you through each part of this process.

Step 6

Licensing Approval

Submission to MN DHS and license issuance.

Once your home study is successfully completed and approved, EVOLVE notifies the licensing unit of the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). If approved by DHS, a foster care license is issued to your family.

Step 7

Placement

A foster care license does not guarantee a child placement, but EVOLVE continues to walk alongside you.

For families who do receive a placement, EVOLVE provides ongoing support, including:

  • Monthly home visits
  • Crisis intervention and case management services
  • Regular phone and email contact
  • Reporting and recordkeeping support

Your EVOLVE worker will remain a key partner during the placement and throughout the foster care experience.

Step 8

Ongoing Training & Support

Your growth as a foster parent continues beyond initial licensing.

All licensed foster care providers are required to complete:

  • 12 hours of training per year, and
  • At least 1 hour focused on children’s mental health issues and treatment.

Families are also encouraged to participate in EVOLVE’s ongoing trainings and support groups to build skills, connection, and resilience.