Frequently Asked Questions

Adult Foster Care is defined as a home setting in the community for adults who are unable to live independently due to physical, emotional, developmental or mental health impairments. The home can provide up to 24 hour supervision for 1 to 4 residents. (5 if caring for elderly residents). Residents receive meals, support, supervision and some assistance with personal care and living skills as needed. Adult Foster Care homes are licensed by the State of Minnesota under Rule 203 and Rule 245A.

Traditional

• The foster care provider lives in the residence and is the primary caregiver to clients in the home.

Corporate

• The foster care home is operated by an individual or corporation, usually with shift staff delivering services to the residents. With corporate care, the license holder does not live at the adult foster care residence.
  
  
  

The applicant must meet the minimum licensing standards that include:

• All household members 13 years old and over must pass a criminal and social service background check
• Complete a home study with the licensor
• Have bedroom space for each resident
• The home must be in Benton County and meet the fire safety code
• Meet annual training requirements
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Provide 3 positive references from non-relatives

If you have decided to provide traditional Adult Foster Care:

• 1 to 2 home visits to complete the licensing process
• Applicant completes the initial licensing packet
• Contact the AFC Licensing Worker at 320-968-5111
• DHS makes the final licensing decision
• Fire inspection
• Licensing Orientation with you in your home
• Recommendation to Department of Human Services (DHS) for licensing

If you are interested in Corporate Foster Care, you may contact the AFC Licensing worker at 320-968-5111.

The application process generally takes 3 to 4 months.

Traditional

Traditional providers receive a monthly minimum room and board payment set by the State. A Difficulty of Care (DOC) rating may be set based on the required level of care. The payment is usually a combination of the client's: 

• Group Residential Housing (GRH) funds
• Pension
• Social Security Disability
• Social Security income

Residents who have the financial resources to pay can negotiate a fee with the provider.

Corporate

Corporate Providers may receive funding from a variety of sources. Services may be funded through Group Residential Housing (GRH) funding for basic room, board, and supervision with Difficulty of Care (DOC). In addition to GRH and Based on the individuals served and their needs, the county may wish to enter into a contract for additional support services for special populations. For Waivered Services Contracts having a corporate license does not guarantee that a provider will be contracted with by the County.

The licensing unit cannot guarantee that you will get clients or how many you will get. You must market your home and be flexible in the type of clients you are willing to service. You decide what type of clients you take. Clients requiring these services may have mental health, physical, developmental issues or be elderly.

The licensor ensures that all aspects of state and county licensing mandates and policies are followed: 

• Encourages attendance at training, and supports the provider's role of providing a safe and supportive environment
• Provides information and education concerning the provider's site
• That the home is physically and emotionally safe for the clients
• That providers are kept apprised of changes in licensing mandates and policies

• Annual appreciation picnic
• Each home is assigned a licensing worker
• Frequent notification of other trainings via email
• Many residents have a case manager who assists with the implementation of a specific care plan
• Monthly training brochures are sent to all family providers
• Providers are eligible for free Foster Care Liability Insurance offered by the State of Minnesota through the Minnesota Joint Underwriters Association

• Annual Vulnerable Adult law training
• Each Adult Foster Care provider is expected to attend 12 hours of training per year during the first 5 years of operation. Training's are offered throughout the year on various topics.
• Foster Care provider's licensed over 5 years are required to attend at least 6 hours of training a year.

No, the foster care rate covers room and board, three nutritious meals and snacks daily and supervision. Medical and dental costs are covered through medical assistance or other insurance of the resident.