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1. What is adult foster care?

Adult foster care is a licensed family setting for adults who are unable to live alone due to physical, emotional, or developmental impairments. The home provides 24-hour care for 1 to 4 functionally impaired residents.

Residents receive meals, support, supervision, and some assistance with personal cares and living skills as needed. There is a minimum room and board payment made to providers per month, which is set by the state.

In addition to room and board, a difficulty of care (DOC) rating is often justified. Adult foster care is not a therapeutic residential facility where a resident receives "awake night" or "nursing care assistance".

2. What are the requirements for adult foster care?

To become licensed as a family foster care provider, the applicant must meet minimum licensing standards:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have bedroom space available for resident(s)
• Live in Chisago County in a home that meets fire safety code inspection by the State Fire Marshal
• Meet required training hours annually
• Meet with the licensor to complete a home study of the family
• Pass a criminal background check on all household members who are 13 years of age or older (and anyone who may have direct unsupervised contact with the client)
• Provide 3 positive references

3. What does typical family adult foster care look like?

Adult foster care homes and providers are diverse.

Providers are:

• Bringing a wide range of experiences and educational background to the program
• Offering a structured to a more relaxed atmosphere
• Racially diverse
• Ranging in age from 18 through 70
• Single or married
• Smokers and non-smokers
• Working in or out of the home

Homes are:

• Located in the city or country
• Offering private and/or shared bedrooms for the residents
• Ramblers, split-levels, 2 stories, apartments, mobile homes, or townhomes

4. Are all adult foster care homes in a family setting?

There are also adult corporate foster homes, which are managed by corporate providers (the provider does not live in this home). Many of these homes also carry a Consolidated Waiver License managed by the Department of Human Services (DHS). These facilities:

• Are more intensive service and supervision needs of resident can be met
• Have services provided by "shift staff"
• Meet licensing standards for the physical structure are the same as for family
• Have staff pass a DHS background check

5. What types of support do adult foster care providers receive?

A minimum room and board payment is made to providers per month, which is set by the state. In addition, there is a payment in accordance with the level of services provided. Medical and dental costs are covered through Medical Assistance or other medical insurance and are not the responsibility of the adult foster care provider.
BResidents often have a placement case manager, and the adult foster care provider has a licensing social worker to help them with problems and find resources to meet the residents' needs.

6. What is a quick review of qualifications and regulations for adult foster care?

A highlight sheet has been prepared to provide you a quick review of qualifications and regulations for adult foster care.