Information Sessions: We will share information about our foster care program, the children in foster care, their families, the re-unification process, and St. Louis County’s expectations of foster families. Information sessions are scheduled several times each month. 

For North St Louis County, Contact:  Michelle Brown at (218) 471-7793 or toll-free 800-450-9777 x7793 or childfostercare@stlouiscountymn.gov 

For South St Louis County, Contact:  Mare Gunnarson at 218-725-5036 or CFCPlacementReferral@StLouisCountyMN.gov 

Application: Your decision to do foster care begins when you return your application. It takes between 90 and 120 days to be licensed from that point. Part of the application process is a thorough background check. You will need sign some release forms and be fingerprinted for your background checks. 

Home Safety Inspection: A licensor will visit your home to begin licensing and determine if your home needs a state fire marshal inspection. 

Home Study: A licensor will conduct a home study with you and your family to get to know you so they can determine what types of children would be a good fit in your home. This home study process generally takes about 6 hours and happens in a series of visits. 

Training: St. Louis County requires about 20-25 hours of training in the first year of licensing. Some training needs to happen prior to getting children, the rest within the first year. 

Recommendation for licensure: Following completion of the Home Study and the related licensing requirements, a recommendation is made within 20 working days to the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). The final decision is made by the DHS Division of Licensing. 

Minnesota Rules for Foster Family Settings - Minnesota Administrative Rules Chapter 2960 covers the Licensure and Certification of Programs for Children. Parts 2960.3000 to 2960.3100 establish the minimum standards that a foster family setting must meet to qualify for licensure. Parts 2960.3200 to  2960.3230 contain requirements for foster residence settings. Additional licensing requirements for foster family settings that offer treatment foster care are in parts 2960.3300 to 2960.3340.