North Dakota Foster Care

What is Foster Care for Children in North Dakota?

Foster care is a supportive service available to families when children are placed in temporary custody of a public agency (Human Service Zone, Tribal Nation or Division of Juvenile Services). Foster care is considered when alternatives to out-of-home placement, including relative placement, have been explored and attempted to divert the child from entering foster care. 

On any given day, approximately 950 children are in foster care in North Dakota. While in foster care, children and their own families need the support of foster care providers.

Although foster homes are being sought for children of all ages, the greatest need is for teens, sibling groups, and those with complex mental health and behavioral health needs. To keep children connected to their culture, increasing the number of Native American foster care providers is also a priority.

Levels of Foster Care Licensing

North Dakota offers different levels of foster care licensing: 

• Full License- Allows a provider to care for a variety of children in which length of stay is dependent on the case plan.
• Relative License- Allows a provider to care for relative children in which length of stay is dependent on the case plan.
• Certification- Allows a provider to care for unrelated children for no more than 30 days, including respite and shelter care.

Treatment Foster Care

Nexus Family Healing offers treatment foster care services for children experiencing complex mental health and behavioral health needs. To learn more about treatment foster care, visit Nexus Family Healing.

Native American Cultural Connections in Foster Care

There is a need for Native American foster care providers in North Dakota. When Native children enter foster care, they often face the risk of being separated not only from their families, but also from their culture and tribal community—connections that are essential to identity, belonging, and healing. By increasing the number of Native American foster care providers, Native children in foster care can feel a better sense of connection to stories, traditions, and community ties that shape who they are. In North Dakota, four Tribal Nations license foster homes within their defined tribal jurisdiction. Learn more here: Native American Foster Care | Health and Human Services North Dakota

Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program

In Eastern North Dakota, the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor program provides services to youth who have come to the United States seeking safety without a parent or guardian to care for them.  More information on the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor program can be found here: Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program | Health and Human Services North Dakota

Foster Care Provider Qualifications

Across the state, we are seeking those who are caring, patient, flexible, tolerant, and willing to support children and families through difficult times.

North Dakota does not exclude anyone interested in becoming a foster care provider because of race, creed, religious belief, gender identity or marital status. However, because of the importance of our work with children and families, foster care providers must be of good character, in good physical and mental health, and be capable of providing a safe and stable living environment for children. As part of the assessment process, prospective foster care providers must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check and a home study assessment with the CFS Licensing Unit or an authorized licensing agency. Other basic qualifications include:

• Be 21 years or older
• Complete and meet the fingerprint based criminal background check requirements, including a child abuse and neglect index check
• Have adequate bedroom space
• Be financially stable with reasonable resources to meet the needs of children placed in your home
• Be able to demonstrate the ability to interpret and understand foster care law, rules, policies, child case plans, medication labels, etc.
• Obtain a license or certification from ND Health and Human Services

Interested? 

If you are interested in becoming a foster care provider or simply learning more about foster care in North Dakota, you can complete an online inquiry HERE or call us at: 833.378.4663

Recruitment & Retention Specialist

Carissa Cox, LBSW
carissa.cox@UND.edu 
701.777.5913