Key Dates

DHS licensing and background study staff have implemented changes to Minnesota’s child foster care system, which went into effect on July 1, 2022. The changes were developed to reduce the barriers for applicants to become and remain licensed foster care providers.  

A thorough DHS background study (External link) is one element to determine if someone is suitable to provide foster care. 

July 1, 2022, changes in Minnesota law are related to offenses that disqualify applicants and the timelines in which some offenses are disqualifiers. Some criminal offenses do not necessarily impact the safety of foster children. 

Non-disqualifying offenses are criminal offenses that are not automatic disqualifiers but are subject to a case-by-case review. Licensors must now use a new process to assess offenses that are classified as non-disqualifying before making a recommendation to approve, deny or revoke a child foster care license.  The Non-Disqualifying Information Assessment (External link) is based on 12 factors outlined in Minnesota Statute 245A.16 sub. 9 (External link). The licensing determination is primarily based on the relationship to the children, the nature of the offense, rehabilitation efforts, and the applicant’s ability to safely care for the children.