Overview Becoming a Provider FAQ Licensing Laws/Statutes/Rules Other Helpful Resources Provider Forms Meeting Schedules/Training Dates Adoption Information Adoption Support Group Information Need More Information?

September 2008 Wright County Child Foster Care Update

Overview

There are several types of foster care services available through the Wright County foster home program:

Foster Care: Caring for children in out-of-home placement
http://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Legacy/DHS-4760-ENG 

Paths to Permanency
This guide offers information for foster parents about the permanency options. Explains the need for permanency for children in foster care. Describes the differences in legal status, decision making, and child's right between adoption and transfer of permanent legal custody. Outlines financial and legal details of Minnesota Permanency Demonstration Project.
http://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Legacy/DHS-4760-ENG

Emergency Shelter 
Temporary short term care, usually 72 hours, to children for 30 days or less in a calendar year. Often times law enforcement is involved. Emergency shelter homes provider care to children ages 0-11 years, or girls ages 12-17 years, or boys ages 12-17 years. Extensive foster care experience and requirements apply.

Crisis Nursery
Temporary short term care up to 72 hours at one time to children for 30 days or less in a calendar year. This is a voluntary placement that the parent initiates. Care can be provided in an emergency situation or for planned respite. Crisis nursery services are available to children ages 0-12.

Respite Care
Designed to relieve the child’s primary caregiver for short periods of time. Children involved in respite care usually have medical needs, mental health and/or behavior issues which require a great deal of time, assistance, and supervision.

Interim Care
Foster care for children who are expected to return to their family of origin within one year or for those children that will be placed for adoption within two years.

Permanent Care
Permanent foster care under written agreement by the court system. The child will remain in care until reaching the age of majority (18). These children are not adopted.

Restricted Care
A licensed foster home that cares for a specific child or group of children, usually relatives.

Group Family Foster Home
Foster home which provides foster care for up to 10 children. Additional experience and requirements apply.

Concurrent Planning
A home that intends on fostering and possibly adopting a child.

Whole Family Foster Care
A licensed home that offers services to a needy parent and their child. The focus is to provide both assistance with independent living and parenting skills to keep the family intact and prepare them for independent living.

Waivered Foster Care
Care to children with special medical and/or mental health needs. Additional requirements apply.

Corporate Foster Home
A foster home run by a corporation and uses shift staff to meet the needs of the children.

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Becoming a Provider

The first step in becoming a child foster care provider is to e-mail the foster care licensor at cfclicensing@co.wright.mn.us and request an electronic informational packet.  All needed information will be provided electronically through links and attachments.

After reviewing the information, attend both Orientation Part I and Part II, the required trainings, and then fill out the following forms and mail them to:
Wright County Human Services
Attention: Child Foster Care Licensing
1004 Commercial Drive
Buffalo, MN 55313-1736 

Application for Child Placement
SSIS Application for Foster Care Licensure
Reference for Child Foster Care License - form must be sent to three unrelated friends and returned to the licensor

NOTE: Forms are in Adobe Acrobat format.  If necessary download the free Reader from Adobe's website.

After we receive the forms, we'll contact you to set up a pre-licensing visit.

Required training prior to licensure:

• SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) training before providing care for infants. Training must be provided every five years.
• Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) training before providing care for infants. Training must be repeated every five years, and an approved video must be watched annually.
• Child Passenger Restraint Systems training for providers transporting children under the age of nine. Training must be repeated every five years.
• Helpers and back-up providers are also required to have some training. They are required to receive SIDS and Shaken Baby training. They are required to complete Child Passenger Restraint Systems training if they will be transporting children.
• Mental Health 101 Training - MANDATED per MN Statute 245A.175
  Prior to non emergency placement of a child in a foster care home, the child foster care provider must complete two hours of training that addresses the causes, symptoms, and key warning signs of mental health disorders; cultural considerations; and effective approaches for dealing with a child's behaviors. At least one hour of the annual 12 hour training requirement for foster parents must be on children's mental health issues and treatment. A video is available and group viewings are offered.

Once you are licensed, our licensing staff will try to match a client who needs placement to your home.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I have to live in Wright County?
Yes. For Wright County to license you as a foster care provider, you must live in Wright County. If you do not, you can check with the county that you live in.

Do I have to live in a house?
No. Apartments, condominiums, or mobile homes can be options.

Do I have to be married?
No.

Can I be a single parent?
Yes.

How old do I need to be?
You must be 21 years or older for child foster care.

Can I work outside of my home?
Yes.

Who pays for the child's medical expenses?
All medical and dental expenses are provided for the child through the county or private insurance.

Who provides transportation to clients for appointments?
The foster parent is expected to provide all needed transportation. Some programs exist to help defray some of the expense.

MNet is a transportation reimbursement program that may be applicable to you and your clients.

MNet is a non-emergent transportation for MA recipients. Within MNet is a program called Mileage & Ancillary Services. This program provides eligible recipients reimbursement for mileage, parking, meals, and lodging.

Those who qualify:
• Recipients who are eligible for Minnesota Health Care Plan Services (MHCP)
• Recipients must reside within the 11-county metro area (Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington, and Wright)
• Facility and/or services must be billable to Medical Assistance (MA)

The following individuals are eligible for reimbursement when transporting MHCP recipients to a MA billable medical appointment:
1. Friends
2. Parents
3. Licensed Foster Care Providers
4. Registered Volunteer Drivers

See the MNet brochure for more information on the program.

Can a foster child share a bedroom with my child?
Yes. Bedrooms may be shared, but each child needs their own bed.

How long do foster children stay in foster homes?
Foster care varies in length depending on the child and his/her parents' circumstances.

Can I adopt a foster child?
There are circumstances in which a foster child could be freed for adoption; however, many other factors are considered before this option is considered.

Will I be paid for taking care of a foster child?
Yes. The care is paid for by public funds. The amount depends on the level of care that the child requires.

Are family foster care payments taxable income?
Generally, foster care payments are not taxable. However, you may want to check with your tax consultant regarding your individual circumstances.

What do I have to do to become a licensed provider?
Information on becoming a licensed child foster care provider is available on our website at Becoming a Provider.

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Licensing Laws/Statutes/Rules

Foster care homes are licensed according to Minnesota laws.

For more information, see Minnesota Statutes, Session Laws and Rules at http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/arule/2960/ (Child Foster Care Rule 2960.3000-2960.3300)

or retrieve the entire Human Services Licensing Act by visiting http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/forms/getstatchap.shtml and then searching for chapter 245a.c

Minnesota Department of Public Safety http://www.dps.state.mn.us/fmarshal/mufcweb/index.html 

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Other Helpful Resources

• For young people - http://www.fosterclub.com/
• For youth transitioning from foster care - http://www.fyi3.com/
• For supportive adults - http://www.fosterclub.org/ 

Is Foster Care Parenting Right For You?

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Provider Forms

Background Study Log - to be used by Foster Parents to track the processing of criminal background studies. This will be reviewed at relicensing visits.
Chemical-Substance Abuse Policy - the Foster Parent is responsible for having each of their back-up or substitute care providers complete this form. The completed form must be submitted to the licensor and a copy retained with the Foster Parent's records. Foster Parents may develop their own form to use and send in to the licensing worker.
Complaints & Grievances Procedure - the Foster Parent signs this procedure and sends to their licensing worker. A copy should be kept with their records. Foster Parents may develop their own form to use and send in to the licensing worker.
Floor and Escape Plan - to diagram provider's home.
Foster Family Setting Health Assessment - Provider completes, as well as each household member, to address their physical, mental, and chemical health status. Provider completes for young children unable to complete the form for themselves.
Home Safety Checklist - licensor uses to inspect provider's home.
Incident Report - provider completes when an accident occurs.
Monthly Fire and Storm Drill Log - to document provider's fire and storm drills.
Physician's Report - to be filled out by provider's physician.
Record of Illness - provider completes one for each foster child to track illnesses, appointments, and professional contacts. This will be used as a part of their training log tracking.
Respite and Substitute Care - provider completes for each substitute and respite caregiver used. This form provides information about the foster child to the caregiver in the foster parent's absence.
Statement of Intended Use - provider completes to identify the types of children they intend on serving.
Training and Skills Form - to document provider's training and skills.
Training Record - to keep track of provider's training.
Unplanned Discharge - provider completes when a child leaves their home or they ask for a child to be removed from their home prior to a planned discharge from the home.
Variance Request - provider completes and submits to the licensor when requesting a variance from the rule.

NOTE: Forms are in Adobe Acrobat format.  If necessary download the free Reader from Adobe's website.

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Meeting Schedules/Training Dates

MANDATORY - Mental Health 101 Training - MANDATED as of 07/01/07 per MN Statute 245A.175
RSVP to Richelle Kramer at 763-682-7484 or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7484, or e-mail Richelle.Kramer@co.wright.mn.us.

Prior to non emergency placement of a child in a foster care home, the child foster care provider must complete two hours of training that addresses the causes, symptoms, and key warning signs of mental health disorders; cultural considerations; and effective approaches for dealing with a child's behaviors. At least one hour of the annual 12 hour training requirement for foster parents must be on children's mental health issues and treatment.

Adult & Child Foster Care Orientation Meeting Schedule
RSVP to Richelle Kramer at 763-682-7484 or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7484, or e-mail Richelle.Kramer@co.wright.mn.us.

Adult & Child Foster Parents: Orientation - Part I - This orientation will be an overview of the adult and child foster care programs within Wright County. All foster care applicants are required to attend.

Child Foster Parents: Orientation - Part II - This orientation is for all those wanting to get licensed for Child Foster Care. This orientation will cover mandated reporting and specifics about the child foster care program of Wright County. This is a mandatory part of the licensing process for applicants wanting to get licensed for child foster care.

Child Day Care Safety Seat Classes
Classes are available to Wright County residents only. To make sure there is available space in each class, you must pre-register by calling Terri Burkhart at 763-682-7516 or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7516. Class fee is $15 for Wright County Day Care providers (free for Wright County Foster Care providers), payable to Wright County Public Health prior to the class. No admittance to class after 6:15 p.m. More child safety seat information is available at Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety. Available trainings elsewhere in the state.

Foster/Adoptive/Kinship Care Training
Pre-registration is required one week prior to each session. All adult household members are encouraged to attend. Attendance at ALL sessions is recommended. This training is free to Wright County residents. There is a nominal fee of $5 per person per session for non-Wright County residents. RSVP to Richelle Kramer at 763-682-7484 or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7484, or e-mail Richelle.Kramer@co.wright.mn.us.

Lifebooks
RSVP to Richelle Kramer at 763-682-7484 or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7484, or e-mail Richelle.Kramer@co.wright.mn.us.

Whether it is a move from one foster home to another, a return to birth family, moving up a grade into high school, joining an adoptive family, or emancipating from care, transition is an acutely significant event. Children and teens who do not have the fortune of growing up under the attentive wing of a single care-giving family (usually birth family), frequently find themselves feeling disconnected from their emerging story and ultimately their own identity. A lifebook is a combination of baby book, scrapbook, journal, calendar, photo album, social history, and case record. Creating a lifebook together with a trusted adult is one of the most meaningful therapeutic experiences that exist for the young person. This session helps foster parents and youth to understand the critical importance of lifebooks, and provides many resources to help participants get started on their own lifebook projects.

MN ASAP and Wright County Foster Care Present: Trauma & Its Impact on Attachment
Click here for registration information, cost, and further details.

What is a parent to do when their child has experienced trauma? What does it look like and what are the long-term effects? Children who are in foster care or are adopted have experienced trauma in varying degrees. Abuse and neglect are traumatic events which have an impact on a child’s development and ability to attach to caregivers. Trauma specialist and therapist Erin McPherson will share her experience and hope with us in this practical, strategy-focused session.

SBS Training (Shaken Baby Syndrome)
Please register by calling Lori at 320-269-2227 or 1-877-311-2244. You can also contact Lori by e-mail at lorip5@willmarnet.com or online at http://www.mnstreams.org. Training does not have to be taken in the county in which you are licensed. Registration is required one week prior to class in order to make sure that enough materials and space are available. All classes cost $9.00.

SIDS Training (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
Please register by calling Lori at 320-269-2227 or 1-877-311-2244. You can also contact Lori by e-mail at lorip5@willmarnet.com or online at http://www.mnstreams.org. Training does not have to be taken in the county in which you are licensed. Registration is required one week prior to class in order to make sure that enough materials and space are available. All classes cost $9.00.

Therapeutic Foster Care and Child Foster Care Support Group Information
RSVP to Richelle Kramer at 763-682-7484 or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7484, or e-mail Richelle.Kramer@co.wright.mn.us.

Attendance at four groups is mandatory for all Therapeutic Foster Care providers. All foster care providers are welcome.

Therapeutic Foster Care and Child Foster Care Training
RSVP to Richelle Kramer at 763-682-7484 or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7484, or e-mail Richelle.Kramer@co.wright.mn.us.

Attendance is required for all therapeutic foster care providers. All foster care providers are highly encouraged to attend.

FosterParentNet (http://www.fosterparentnet.org/) is a web site with other support group information and a chat line that is staffed during certain hours.  Check them out!

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Adoption Information

Overview of the Adoption Program
The Wright County Human Services Agency Adoption Program provides resource information for families seeking to adopt. Court ordered home studies of Wright County relative adoptions are completed on a case by case basis with children who are under the custody and guardianship of the Commissioner of the State of Minnesota, called State Wards. Post adoption searches are conducted for adults who were adopted through Wright County Human Services Agency. All other adoption issues are referred to private agencies.

Philosophy of the Adoption Program
Every child in Wright County who is legally free for adoption deserves a permanent home. We start with the assumption that children’s healthy growth and safety is best achieved within the child’s family of origin. When the children cannot remain within the birth family and become State wards, they become our primary clients and their needs are paramount. We search for resource families to fit children’s needs rather than fitting children to families needs. The work of the Adoption Program is therefore prioritized according to the needs of the children.

Parents
Adoptive parents may be single, married, gay/lesbian, childless, or already parenting other children. You do not need to own a home or have a high income. Divorce, a history of marital or personal counseling does not affect eligibility to adopt. There is no upper age limit on applicants. Religion, gender, racial background, color, creed, national origin, public assistance status, or disability does not affect eligibility to become an adoptive parent. Previous parenting experience is not required. These children do not need perfect parents. They need one or two loving parents willing to face challenges and make a life long commitment.

Children
Most of the children are school age and have experienced emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse. They are often developmentally delayed due to neglect and lack of stimulation in early childhood and may have learning disabilities or be behind in school. Many have had prenatal exposure to drugs. Many of the children are children of color, and most are sibling groups who need to be adopted together. Most of the children struggle with emotional and/or behavioral problems related to their experiences, requiring extra patience and care from their caregivers. One thing these children all have in common is that they are emotionally needy and definitely need permanent loving parent(s) and family.

ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act)
In 1978, the Federal government passed public law 95-608, known as the Indian Child Welfare Act or ICWA. In 1998, the State of Minnesota and the Minnesota tribes negotiated an agreement that articulates how the Act will be enforced. This act applies to all of the native children currently available for adoption in Wright County. For more information about ICWA click on http://www.mnadopt.org/
 
 
Information about other Waiting Children and adoption resources Statewide can be found on the following web sites:
Children's Home Society of Minnesota - http://www.chsm.com/
Minnesota Adoption Resource Network Inc. - http://www.mnadopt.org/

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Adoption Support Group Information

Meetings are designed for concurrent foster care providers and people in the process of adoption, or people who have completed adoption. Activities for children age 10 and up are available during the summer months.

Note: We have changed the meeting time due to the number of families attending support groups with young children. Child care for young children is available during the meetings at the Monticello Community Center for a fee, until 8:30 p.m.

Date	Time	Location	Room
2nd Tuesday of every month	6:30 to 8:30 p.m.	Monticello Community Center	N/A

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Need More Information?

You can contact us in a variety of ways: 

E-Mail:  Contact our staff at cfclicensing@co.wright.mn.us.

Telephone:
For Child Foster Care questions, contact Richelle Kramer, 763-682-7484
For Adoption questions, contact Jill Marzean, 763-684-2318

Office:  Our office is located in Buffalo in the Human Services Center.  Map and address to the office are available online for your convenience.

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