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Child Foster Care
OverviewThere are several types of foster care services available through the Wright County foster home program: Foster Care: Caring for children in out-of-home placement Paths to Permanency Emergency Shelter Crisis Nursery Respite Care Interim Care Permanent Care Restricted Care Group Family Foster Home Concurrent Planning Whole Family Foster Care Waivered Foster Care Corporate Foster Home Becoming a ProviderThe first step in becoming a child foster care provider is to e-mail the foster care licensor at cfclicensing@co.wright.mn.us and request an electronic informational packet. All needed information will be provided electronically through links and attachments. After reviewing the information, attend both Orientation Part I and Part II, the required trainings, and then fill out the following forms and mail them to: Application for Child Placement NOTE: Forms are in Adobe Acrobat format. If necessary download the free Reader from Adobe's website. After we receive the forms, we'll contact you to set up a pre-licensing visit. Required training prior to licensure:
Once you are licensed, our licensing staff will try to match a client who needs placement to your home. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Do I have to live in Wright County? Do I have to live in a house? Do I have to be married? Can I be a single parent? How old do I need to be? Can I work outside of my home? Who pays for the child's medical expenses? Who provides transportation to clients for appointments? Can a foster child share a bedroom with my child? How long do foster children stay in foster homes? Can I adopt a foster child? Will I be paid for taking care of a foster child? Are family foster care payments taxable income? What do I have to do to become a licensed provider?
Licensing Laws/Statutes/RulesFoster care homes are licensed according to Minnesota laws. For more information, see Minnesota Statutes, Session Laws and Rules at www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/arule/2960 (Child Foster Care Rule 2960.3000-2960.3300) or retrieve the entire Human Services Licensing Act by visiting and then searching for chapter 245a.c Other Helpful ResourcesAll Schedule II substances must be kept in a locked container if present in the foster home - www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/listby_sched/sched2.htmChild Welfare League of America - www.cwla.org Foster Parent Community - www.fosterparents.com Minnesota Foster Care Association - www.betterendings.org Minnesota Organization on Adolescent Pregnancy, Prevention, and Planning - www.moappp.org Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome - www.mofas.org National Foster Parent Association - www.nfpainc.org PACER Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) - www.pacer.org FosterClub - The National Network for Young People in Foster Care
Is Foster Care Parenting Right For You? Provider FormsBackground Study Log - to be used by Foster Parents to track the processing of criminal background studies. This will be reviewed at relicensing visits. NOTE: Forms are in Adobe Acrobat format. If necessary download the free Reader from Adobe's website. Meeting Schedules/Training DatesChild Day Care Safety Seat Classes Child Day Care Safety Seat Classes |
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| Date | Time | Location | Room |
| 03/18/2010 | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Wright County Human Services Center, 1004 Commercial Drive, Buffalo | 127 |
| 05/20/2010 | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Wright County Human Services Center, 1004 Commercial Drive, Buffalo | 127 |
| 07/15/2010 | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Wright County Human Services Center, 1004 Commercial Drive, Buffalo | 127 |
| 09/16/2010 | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Wright County Human Services Center, 1004 Commercial Drive, Buffalo | 127 |
| 11/18/2010 | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Wright County Human Services Center, 1004 Commercial Drive, Buffalo | 127 |
Child Foster Care Orientation Meeting Schedule
RSVP to Jill Marzean at 763-682-7484 or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7484, or e-mail Jill.Marzean@co.wright.mn.us.
Child Foster Parents: Orientation - Part I - This orientation will be an overview of the child foster care program within Wright County. All child foster care applicants are required to attend.
Child Foster Parents: Orientation - Part II - This orientation is for all those wanting to get licensed for Child Foster Care. This orientation will cover mandated reporting and specifics about the child foster care program of Wright County. This is a mandatory part of the licensing process for applicants wanting to get licensed for child foster care.
| Date | Time | Location | Room |
| 02/09/2010 | Orientation Part II | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. | |||
| 04/13/2010 | Orientation Part I | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. | |||
| 05/11/2010 | Orientation Part II | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. | |||
| 07/13/2010 | Orientation Part I | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. | |||
| 08/10/2010 | Orientation Part II | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. | |||
| 10/12/2010 | Orientation Part I | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. | |||
| 11/09/2010 | Orientation Part II | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. | |||
Foster/Adoptive/Kinship Care Training
Pre-registration is required one week prior to each session. All adult household members are encouraged to attend. Attendance at ALL sessions is recommended. This is a free training available to all foster parents. RSVP to Jill Marzean at 763-682-7484 or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7484, or e-mail Jill.Marzean@co.wright.mn.us.
| Date | Time | Location | Room |
| 02/18/2010 | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| Module 3: Cultural Issues in Placement Participants will learn skills in becoming culturally competent by exploring their values, attitudes and patterns of behavior. They will the importance of developing and nurturing the cultural identity of children and incorporating it into their family. | |||
| 03/16/2010 | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| Module 4: Family Systems and Abuse and Neglect Participants will begin to identify the characteristics of families where maltreatment occurs and the role of parents in preventing abuse and neglect. They will explore the contributing factors to maltreatment and learn how abused and neglected children continue to be at increased risk for abuse and neglect even after being placed in foster, adoptive or kinship care. | |||
| 04/15/2010 | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| Module 5: Impact on Abuse and Neglect on Child Development This training provides an overview of normal childhood development and the impact of abuse and neglect. It also explains how to recognize developmental delays or challenges. | |||
| 05/03/2010 | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 4th Floor Conf |
| Module 6: Attachment, Separation and Placement This training outlines normal, healthy attachment and the impact on attachment of separation from primary families. Participants will explore how children’s developmental levels affect their understanding of and reactions to out-of-home placement. | |||
| 06/24/2010 | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| Module 7: Discipline This training examines the importance of discipline based on the child’s age, developmental level, past experiences and their current situation. It also explains the rationale for statutes and rules on physical punishment in alternative care homes. | |||
| 07/20/2010 | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| Module 8: Primary Families This training helps the participants to understand the grief process of a birth parent whose children have entered an out-of-home placement and the importance of involving the birth family in case planning, daily decision-making and other activities to support reunification. | |||
| 08/17/2010 | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| Module 9: Sexual Abuse This training examines the definition and dynamics of child sexual abuse. Participants will learn that sexual abuse is a complex problem and that children who have been sexually abused may have a hard time adjusting to a new home. Additional training and resources to successfully care for these children and teens will be discussed. | |||
| 09/21/2010 | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| Module 10: Effects of Caregivers on the Family Participants will learn to recognize signs of family stress and know the importance of developing and using support systems to prevent a family crisis. Procedures will be outlined that are required if allegations of maltreatment are made. Health, hygiene and nutritional issues will be explored. | |||
| 10/05/2010 | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | C118 |
| Module 11: Permanency Issues for Children Participants will learn the unique aspects of becoming a permanent home for a child who will not be returning to their biological parents. They will begin to understand how post-placement issues such as loss, identity and loyalties can be complicated for these children and begin to prepare for them. Caregivers will explore the supports for parents and children in their community. | |||
| 11/16/2010 | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| Module 12: Permanency Issues for Families This training helps participants recognize the long-term adjustment to adoption for the parent and the child. This includes dealing with grief, loss, identity, control, divided loyalties and fertility issues as well as the fantasy of being a “dream family.” | |||
SBS Training (Shaken Baby Syndrome)
Please register by calling Lori at 320-269-2227 or 1-877-311-2244. You can also contact Lori by e-mail at lorip5@willmarnet.com or online at http://www.mnstreams.org. Training does not have to be taken in the county in which you are licensed. Registration is required one week prior to class in order to make sure that enough materials and space are available. All classes cost $9.00.
| Date | Time | Location | Room |
| 02/16/2010 | 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| 04/08/2010 | 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| 06/07/2010 | 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| 08/05/2010 | 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| 10/04/2010 | 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| 11/18/2010 | 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| 12/14/2010 | 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
SIDS Training (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
Please register by calling Lori at 320-269-2227 or 1-877-311-2244. You can also contact Lori by e-mail at lorip5@willmarnet.com or online at http://www.mnstreams.org. Training does not have to be taken in the county in which you are licensed. Registration is required one week prior to class in order to make sure that enough materials and space are available. All classes cost $9.00.
| Date | Time | Location | Room |
| 02/16/2010 | 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| 04/08/2010 | 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| 06/07/2010 | 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| 08/05/2010 | 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| 10/04/2010 | 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| 11/18/2010 | 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
| 12/14/2010 | 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Wright County Government Center, 10 2nd Street NW, Buffalo | 120A/B |
Therapeutic Training and Support for Foster Parents
RSVP to Jill Marzean at 763-682-7484 or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7484, or e-mail Jill.Marzean@co.wright.mn.us.
Training: Attendance is required for all therapeutic foster care providers. All foster care providers are highly encouraged to attend. Support Group: Attendance at four groups is mandatory for all Therapeutic Foster Care providers. All foster care providers are welcome.
| Date | Time | Location | Room |
| 02/22/2010 | Training | Central MN Mental Health Center, 308 12th Avenue S, Buffalo | N/A |
| 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Topic: To be determined | |||
| 03/22/2010 | Support Group | Central MN Mental Health Center, 308 12th Avenue S, Buffalo | N/A |
| 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Children's Skills Group | |||
| 04/26/2010 | Training | Central MN Mental Health Center, 308 12th Avenue S, Buffalo | N/A |
| 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Topic: To be determined | |||
| 05/24/2010 | Support Group | Central MN Mental Health Center, 308 12th Avenue S, Buffalo | N/A |
| 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Children's Skills Group | |||
| 06/28/2010 | Training | Central MN Mental Health Center, 308 12th Avenue S, Buffalo | N/A |
| 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Topic: To be determined | |||
| 09/27/2010 | Support Group | Central MN Mental Health Center, 308 12th Avenue S, Buffalo | N/A |
| 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Children's Skills Group | |||
| 10/25/2010 | Training | Central MN Mental Health Center, 308 12th Avenue S, Buffalo | N/A |
| 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Topic: To be determined | |||
| 11/22/2010 | Support Group | Central MN Mental Health Center, 308 12th Avenue S, Buffalo | N/A |
| 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Children's Skills Group | |||
| 12/13/2010 | Training | Central MN Mental Health Center, 308 12th Avenue S, Buffalo | N/A |
| 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Topic: To be determined | |||
FosterParentNet (www.fosterparentnet.org) is a web site with other support group information and a chat line that is staffed during certain hours. Check them out!
Adoption Support Group Information
Meetings are designed for concurrent foster care providers and people in the process of adoption, or people who have completed adoption. Activities for children age 10 and up are available during the summer months.
Note: We have changed the meeting time due to the number of families attending support groups with young children. Child care for young children is available during the meetings at the Monticello Community Center for a fee, until 8:30 p.m.
| Date | Time | Location | Room |
| 2nd Tuesday of every month | 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Monticello Community Center | N/A |
Need More Information?
You can contact us in a variety of ways:
E-Mail: Contact our staff at cfclicensing@co.wright.mn.us.
Telephone: For Child Foster Care questions, contact Jill Marzean, 763-682-7484.
Office: Our office is located in Buffalo in the Human Services Center. A map and address to the office are available online for your convenience.
Click here for information on Adoption.
