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- Background Study Information - Adult Foster Care
Background Study Information - Adult Foster Care
The background study (BGS) is a check of all criminal arrest records, court records, and adult and child protection records.
- Applicants, license holders, all others living in the home 13 years and older, current, and potential caregivers, employees, and volunteers must have a background study.
- The person being studied must complete a data collection form, have their identity confirmed by the county, enter their information online via the state operated background study system called NETStudy2, and have their photograph and fingerprints taken. You'll receive instructions from the licensor.
- Most minors will not have to be fingerprinted.
- Studies must be submitted for all people aged 13 and over living in the home when a person first applies for a license.
Other times when a provider must make sure a background study is completed include:
- when a household members turns 13 years old
- before a person (not a resident) moves into the home
- when a new caregiver (paid or volunteer) starts
- the study must be submitted before they have contact with residents
- when a person is absent from the program for 120 days (talk with your licensor)
- this does not apply for individuals attending college away from home
If the agency has reasonable cause, studies can be done on:
- 10- to 12-year-olds and
- individuals who may have unsupervised contact with individuals receiving services
Reasonable cause is when the agency has information about the person possibly having a criminal or other record.
- when someone is going to move into the house
- when you have a new caregiver starting
- when studies are submitted,
- when the person first has unsupervised access,
- the clearance (or other) notices from DHS, and
- when they have unsupervised contact
We have a tracking form on our Forms for Adult Foster Care web page which can be used for tracking.
Failure to make sure a background study is completed when required can result in a fine of $200 per occurrence and/or other negative licensing actions.
Contact Us
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Licensing Information for Adult Foster Care
Phone: 651-430-8307
Email Adult Foster Care LicensingInterpreter service is available
Locations
Cottage Grove
Forest Lake
Stillwater
WoodburyOffice Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- What are the initial licensing requirements for family adult foster care?
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- Applicants must live in Washington County and be at least 18 years of age.
- Applicants must complete all application forms and participate in home study interviews.
- Bedrooms in the home must meet size requirements. (View the answer to FAQ question #4)
- Applicants and household members aged 13 years and older must pass a criminal and social service background study.
- Applicants must pass a fire marshal inspection of the home.
- Applicants must complete required orientation and vulnerable adult training.
- How do I start the licensing process for family adult foster care?
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- If interested in becoming an adult foster care provider, you must attend an informational meeting first.
- At this meeting, you will learn more about the foster care licensing process and requirements.
- Visit our main adult foster care licensing web page for more informational on the adult foster care information meetings.
- If interested in becoming an adult foster care provider, you must attend an informational meeting first.
- Do I have to live in a house to become licensed for family adult foster care?
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- Applicants can live in single- or multi-family dwellings; they can own or rent.
- If renting, the landlord must consent to a fire marshal inspection.
- All homes must pass the fire inspection and meet all building codes.
- The home must be clean and in good order.