Foster care for adults can be provided in a family or corporate setting.
Family Adult Foster Care
Family Adult Foster Care is provided in the home of the license holder. The license holder, and their immediate family members, live in the home and provide care to the residents. The license holder must provide the majority of supervision and direct care. Other household members or caregivers may provide occasional assistance.
Homes must be licensed. It is a misdemeanor to operate a residential program without a license (Minnesota Statute 245D.03 subd. 3).
Updates for 2025
There is a need to increase foster homes able to support complex medical or mobility needs. Interested providers can submit responses via instructions in the document.
Specialized Adult Foster Care Guidelines
Please note:
- Informational meetings are not being scheduled for 2025.
- New applications are not being accepted outside the specialized opportunity. Exceptions could be made for existing license holders moving to Dakota County or at the request of a case manager.
- The county is not collecting information from those interested in licensing.
Check back at this website for updates.
Corporate Adult Foster Care
In corporate settings, the license holder does not live in the home where foster care is provided. The homes are operated by corporations and shift staff provide care to the residents.
The state has limited the growth of all types of corporate foster care. This includes:
- Corporate Adult Foster Care (serving seniors 55 and older)
- Community Residential Settings (serving adults with disabilities)
- Child Foster Residence Settings (serving children with disabilities)
For more information, see the
Minnesota Department of Human Services website.
The county does not issue new licenses for corporate applications at the request of providers. Sometimes, the county will license a new corporate foster care for a person who meets certain exception criteria.
Family Adult Day Services
Family Adult Day Service (FADS) license holders live in the home and provide daytime supports to seniors age 55 and older. The licensed home can also have a Family Adult Foster Care license. Due to low demand, new applications will not be accepted unless the applicant is able to verify at least two active referrals. Please contact adultfostercare@co.dakota.mn.us to inquire about this license.