Types of Child Foster Care
Child foster care is temporary, substitute parental care for a child until Washington County is able to reunite the child with their biological family or until permanent plans are made. Children enter foster care through no fault of their own and have experienced traumatic incidents that lead to their placement out-of-home.
Emergency Placement
Emergency foster parents accept placement of children in their home on short notice. These placements can last anywhere from a few hours to several months. Providers have the option to accept placements during business hours only or 24/7.
Concurrent
Concurrent foster parents accept placements of children who may need a permanent home. Providers commit to being the adoptive resource if reunification with birth parents is not possible.
Traditional
Families care for children in their home as they would any other family member. Traditional foster care varies in length from 72 hours to 12 months. With traditional foster care, the child in need is usually placed in their home within 24 hours.
Relative/Kinship Care
Child/kin in need are placed within a family home and homes are only licensed for these specific children with whom they already have a relationship. Dakota County would contact these families directly to inquire of placement of a relative/kin. Thereafter, the relative/kinship foster care provider will begin the licensing process just for the children within their home.
Respite
Respite foster parents provide care for children one or two weekends per month. Respite is a voluntary service utilized by birth families who have children with mental health diagnoses or intellectual disabilities.