Anyone can become a foster care provider as long as they meet Minnesota’s basic requirements and complete the licensing process.

Basic requirements include:

• Reside in the state of Minnesota
• Be 21 years or older
• Complete required licensing paperwork (including DHS Application, EVOLVE Application, Individual Fact Sheet, Background Study Authorization, discipline/grievance/alcohol and drug policies, and a home safety walkthrough)
• All household members over age 13 complete a criminal background check (criminal history does not automatically disqualify you)
• Complete a full Foster Care Home Study Assessment

EVOLVE also values: stability, flexibility, advocacy, strong communication, teamwork, openness to learning, understanding personal limits, and the ability to support children’s cultural identities.

EVOLVE strongly encourages families of color and families open to parenting LGBTQ youth to consider becoming foster care providers.

All children and youth involved with the child welfare system have experienced varying levels of trauma, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse and/or neglect.

Many children have mental, emotional, behavioral, and physical health needs, including psychological or behavioral diagnoses. Some have experienced prenatal exposure to alcohol and/or drugs.

While infants do enter foster care, this is not the greatest area of need. Younger children are often part of sibling groups.

Most children served are between the ages of 7–18. The foster care system disproportionately impacts African American and Native American children.

The foster care licensing process typically takes about six months. EVOLVE works at a pace that supports each family through required steps.

No. Foster parents may have children in the home or none at all.

Minnesota capacity limits may impact licensing if a household is already at capacity.