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1. Is a license required to provide foster care or family child care?

Yes, with a few exceptions, such as providing family child care for a relative, or providing non-residential child care for children from just one unrelated family.

2. How do I know if a child or foster care home is licensed?

Call 763-422-7146 to check into license status for family child care, 763-422-7070 for adult foster care and 763-422-7144 for child foster care.

3. What is the purpose of requiring a license?

The children and adults receiving care in child and foster care homes in Minnesota are among the most vulnerable citizens in our community. To receive a license, the provider, staff and others who will be in contact with the persons being cared for must pass a criminal history check, and meet certain requirements to ensure the safety of the children or vulnerable adults being served. Providers are required to attend training sessions pertaining to the needs of the persons being served in their homes, and keep training up to date. Their homes are inspected on at least an annual basis, more often if there are problems.

4. What if I suspect that a person is providing child care without a license?

It is a misdemeanor-level criminal offense in Minnesota to provide child care without a license, unless an exception applies. If you suspect someone of providing unlicensed care you should call your local police department, or call the child care licensing division in Anoka County at 763-422-7146. The provider will be informed of the obligation to obtain a license, and the process for obtaining a license. If the provider does not follow through with obtaining a license, the police will investigate to see if the provider continues to provide care. If the provider is still providing child care without a license, the matter will be referred to the city attorney for prosecution.

5. What if I have concerns about the health and safety of persons being served by licensed child and foster care providers in Anoka County?

For concerns about family child care call 763-422-7146, for child foster care call 763-422-7144 and for adult foster care call 763-422-7070. If you have concerns for the well-being of a child, you can call child protection at 763-422-7125. A specially trained social worker will investigate the situation and take appropriate action.

6. What sanctions are imposed if the investigation indicates that the health or safety of the persons being served is at risk?

Depending on the situation, and the level of risk, the sanctions can range all the way from a corrective order (an order to correct the situation- with a follow up visit to assure the correction has been made), to immediate suspension and revocation of the license in the most dangerous situations.

7. Where can I find more information about the family child care licensing process?

To learn more about foster care, please see the link below:

Family Child Care Licensing

8. Where can I find more information about the child foster care licensing process?

Please go to: Child Foster Care. Child Foster Care

9. Where can I find more information about the adult foster care licensing process?

See more information under Adult Foster Care. Adult Foster Care