Foster Care

Become a licensed foster family to provide temporary homes and care for children while their families complete the reunification process.

Become a specialty respite foster home to provide short-term foster homes for local youth with high support needs including autism, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders or other disabilities. Learn more. (PDF)

Become a foster-adoptive resource home by committing to care for a child, support reunification with their birth family and provide a legal, permanent home if the child cannot return to their parent(s).

Foster parents come from backgrounds as diverse as the children they care for. They are patient, loving and are strong supporters of kids. They can provide love for foster kids and can support them in returning home when the time is right.

Foster parents are:

• 21 years or older.
• Single, married or partnered.
• Caring people who can provide support and love for a child.
• Living in stable housing in Ramsey County.
• Flexible with home or work schedules.
• Able to pass a background check.
• Two years sober if they’ve been treated for chemical dependency.

Support for foster parents includes:

• A state-standardized monthly rate for the child’s needs.
• Medical and dental costs covered through Medical Assistance or other medical insurance.
• Ongoing training training opportunities.

Foster parents who speak Spanish as their primary language may contact 651-266-4785 for additional resources.

Ready to be a foster parent? Attend an orientation meeting.

At the orientation, you’ll learn basic information about foster care and have the opportunity to ask specific questions to determine if foster care is right for you. You will also get information on the application process for you to become a licensed foster care provider. If you are in a two-parent household, both parents must attend.

Register for an upcoming orientation meeting.

Already attended an orientation meeting?  Fill out an application.

Ramsey County uses an online application program called BINTI that will ask you to enter an email address, create a password and complete a short questionnaire. After that, Ramsey County Foster Care licensing staff will contact you to set up a time to meet.

Questions? Contact us at 651-266-5437

Apply now to become a licensed foster care parent