Get started on foster care licensing
Child foster care licensing is provided by Otter Tail County Human Services. There is no application fee. Use the following steps to guide you through the process.
Step 1: Submit initial forms
To begin the child foster care licensing process, review and submit the following forms:
- Notice of Privacy Practices
- Individual Fact Sheet (for each adult 18+ in the household)
- Minnesota Adoption and Child Foster Care Application
Please return these forms to Otter Tail County Human Services, addressed to the child foster care licensor. This will accelerate the licensing process.
Step 2: Fingerprinting, home visits, and interviews
Once your initial forms are submitted:
- You’ll receive instructions for completing the Adam Walsh background study fingerprint process (form).
- Our office will contact you to schedule a home visit to review the Home Safety Checklist.
- We’ll also conduct family interviews to get to know you better and discuss child foster care. This is part of the required home study (questionnaire form).
Step 3: Complete remaining tasks and forms
After the home study, complete the remaining tasks and forms:
- Agreement Between Foster Parent and Placement Agency
- Child passenger restraint systems training (for parents caring for children under 9; a schedule of car seat training classes will be provided to the applicant once an application is made)
- Complaint and Grievance Procedures
- Drug and Alcohol Policy
- Discipline Policy
- Emergency Escape Plan
- Pet shot records (provide records for each of your pets)
- Statement of Intended Use
- SUID/AHT training (for parents caring for children under 5)
- Well water test (if applicable)
Step 4: Final review and approval
Once all forms and inspections are completed and submitted, the approval process typically takes about four months, depending on the speed of verification. The state makes licensure decisions and issues and mails licenses.
Ready to make a difference? Please contact the licensor to get started!
Contact Information