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Becoming a Foster Parent
Requirements
- You must live in Winona County
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Have appropriate sleeping space in the home
- Complete all required paperwork
- Provide the County with three personal references
- Allow Winona County to conduct a home inspection
- Complete and pass a Department of Human Services background check on all household members who are 13 years of age and older
- Participate in a home study that includes interviews with all household members
- Abide by a "no corporal punishment" rule
- Be available to transport children to visitations and medical appointments
- Complete initial trainings
- Attend 12 hours of annual training after licensure
Application
Print and complete the Child Foster Care Application (PDF) or fill out the online Child Foster Care Application (PDF) and submit to:
Child Foster Care Licensor
Attn: Ashley Rankin
202 W Third Street
Winona, MN 55987
If you have questions or would like to request a licensing packet please email Ashley Rankin, Winona County Child Foster Care Licensor.
1. Children's Mental Health
Required for all Child Foster License holders.
- Watch the Children's Mental Health video
- Follow along with the Children's Mental Health PowerPoint (PDF)
- Complete the Children's Mental Health Post-Test (PDF) and provide it to your Child Foster Care Licensor
2. Normalcy & Reasonable & Prudent Parent Standard Training
Required for all Child Foster License holders.
- Watch the Normalcy and Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard Training Video
- Complete the Normalcy and Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard Post Test (PDF) and submit it to your Child Foster Care Licensor
3. Comfort Calls
Required for all Child Foster License holders.
- Read the Department of Human Services (DHS) Bulletin: Initial Foster Care Phone Call Practice Guides (PDF)
- Read the Training: Comfort Call Information (PDF)
- Complete the Self-Study Questionnaire (PDF) and submit it to your Child Foster Care Licensor
4. Car Seat Training
There is a cost associated with this training - $30 per person.
Visit the develop website and search "C.A.R.S." in keywords. You must create an account to register for one of the courses. Rochester may be the closest location. You may also check with your licensor for other training options and locations.
5. Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome (SUIDS) & Abusive Head Trauma (AHT)
This training is required if providing care to children 5 years of age or under and must be completed every 5 years.
- Watch the SUIDS video produced by Hennepin County (4:17)
- Watch the SUIDS video produced by Eastern Virginia Medical School (5:50)
- Watch the SUIDS video produced by Dakota County (6:28)
- Watch the Never Shake video (7:48)
- Watch the The Doctors video (1:48)
- Watch the Forever Shaken video (33:17)
- Complete the Verification Form (PDF) and submit it to your Child Foster Care Licensor
6. Vulnerable Adults Mandated Training
This training is required if providing care for young adults ages 18 to 21 years old in extended foster care and must be completed annually.
- Review the Vulnerable Adults Mandated Training (1 hour)
- Complete the Certification Assessment and provide Certificate of Completion to your Child Foster Care Licensor