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1. As a foster care provider, would I be responsible for medical bills accrued by the individual placement?

No. The majority of children in need of foster care are on Medical Assistance or will be covered by their own private insurance. Call Community and Veterans Services at 320-983-8208 for more information.

2. Can a single person be a foster care provider?

Yes. You do not have to be married or have children of your own to be a foster parent. You do need to be at least 21 years of age. Call Community and Veterans Services at 320-983-8208 for more information.

3. Can foster parents adopt the children in their care?

Most children placed in foster care return to their birth parents or are placed with relatives. In a few cases parental rights are terminated. The agency is then required to first consider a permanent placement with relatives if that is in the best interests of the child. If relatives are not found to be appropriate, we would then consider all adults who have had a significant role in the child's life, including foster parents. Sometimes we do look for a foster/adoptive home when we know early on that parental rights will likely be terminated.

Contact Us

Call Community and Veterans Services at 320-983-8208 for more information.

4. Can I choose the age group?

Yes. You are encouraged to request age, gender, and duration of stay preferences. You can even choose a population whom you wish to work with:

• Developmentally Disabled
• Elderly
• Mentally Ill
• Physically Handicapped
• Teen Parents

Contact Us

Call Community and Veterans Services at 320-983-8208 for more information.

5. Do I have to own my own home to do foster care?

You may own or rent a trailer home, apartment, condominium, or single family home. All are acceptable providing they meet safety standards. Some homes will require a Fire Inspection from the State Fire Marshall or other authorized fire inspector. Call Community and Veterans Services at 320-983-8208 for more information.

6. If I have a child in placement, will the family know where the child is? May they have contact with the child?

The majority of the time, families will know where the child is, and visits are scheduled as a part of the placement plan. If this knowledge would endanger the child or the foster family, the placement location would not be disclosed. Call Community and Veterans Services at 320-983-8208 for more information.

7. What kind of experience or training do I have to have?

Mille Lacs County Community and Veterans Services provides all preliminary training to become a foster parent. On-going training is also provided through a variety of resources. Foster families are required to obtain 12 hours of training per year for the first 5 years of licensure. Formal training and experience in working with people (child or adult) is always a benefit. Anyone interested in becoming a foster parent should be open and willing to learn new skills and apply them within the foster care environment.

Contact Us

Call Community and Veterans Services at 320-983-8208 for more information.