Operating a family adult foster care home involves more than just caring for residents. It involves understanding regulations and attention to detail. The licensing process takes about six months from start to finish.
Step 1: Attend an informational meeting
Dakota County requires all potential applicants to first attend an informational meeting. The meeting will provide an overview of family adult foster care services, the licensing process, and general expectations of providers.
Due to openings in existing homes, informational meetings for the public will not be held in 2025. The county is not collecting information from those interested in obtaining a license.
Step 2: Complete paperwork and background studies
Applicants must complete and return several licensing forms. They must also pay for and complete background studies for all household members 13 years or older.
Step 3: Attend an orientation and training meeting at Dakota County
Once the initial paperwork and background studies have been completed, you will be invited to attend an orientation. The information learned at orientation will assist you in completing the remaining licensing forms.
Step 4: Site visit and inspection by the fire marshal
Applicants must submit a $50 money order or cashier's check for a fire inspection of the home to ensure it is safe.
Step 5: Home visit by a county licensor
Home visits allow county licensors to inspect your home for safety requirements, answer your questions and learn more about the type of people you intend to care for.
Step 6: License issued by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)
The county licensor issues a recommendation to DHS who makes the final decision and issues the license directly to the license holder.
Referrals and Payments
Obtaining a license is not a guarantee of referrals or placements. County licensors may share information with case managers if requested, but they do not assist with referrals. License holders must notify their county licensor of all admissions and discharges.
Payments to family adult foster care providers vary, depending on the residents' income, level of support needs and eligibility for public programs. The county will assist license holders in obtaining a Housing Support agreement. This provides a base rate for room and board for all residents and a supplemental service rate for some residents (often referred to as "difficulty of care" rate).
License holders wishing to care for individuals open for disability waiver services must work directly with the Minnesota Department of Human Services to obtain their 245D Home and Community Based Services license.