Adult foster care licensing for applicants

Are you interested in becoming a licensed adult foster care provider in Cass, Crow Wing, Douglas, Morrison, Otter Tail, Todd, or Wadena county? We can help! Simply follow the steps below or contact a Sourcewell licensing specialist to get started.

The licensing process can take up to 90 to 120 days to complete.

How to become a licensed provider

    Contact us to get started. 

    Once this has been completed, you will receive an email to enroll into the self-paced orientation.

    Adult Foster Care (AFC) Applicant Packet

    Community Residential Setting (CRS) Applicant Packet

    There is currently a moratorium on the development of new CRS beds in Minnesota.  

    Those interested in a CRS license should email licensing@sourcewell-mn.gov.
    Please include county of residence in your communication.

    Once applicant packet has been received, a Sourcewell licensing specialist will initiate the licensing process beginning with background studies and Fire Marshal request.

    Once everything has been completed, your regional licensing specialist will submit the recommendation within 20 business days to DHS for licensure.

    Final approval will be given by DHS.

    Training information

      In addition to orientation training, each caregiver must complete training designed to meet the needs of residents as outlined below. 

      • caregivers with zero to five years of licensure or experience as an adult foster home caregiver must complete 12 hours training a year
      • caregivers with six or more years of licensure or experience as an adult foster home caregiver must complete six hours training a year
      • caregivers who provide services according to a contract between the operator and the department or service must comply with any additional training requirements stated in the terms of the contract

      The operator of the home must ensure that a record of completed training is maintained.

      Online required training for vulnerable adult maltreatment reporting is available through DHS.

      DirectCourse

      TrainLink

      The following individuals are exempt from the training hours requirements:

      • caregivers providing no more than 30 cumulative days of foster care in a 12-month period
      • caregivers providing foster care no more than eight hours a week

      Questions

      Contact licensing@sourcewell-mn.gov or call 218-895-4120.

      Please include your county of residence in all communications.