Home Study
If you want to become a foster parent, you must take part in a home study done by Benton County. This includes at least one visit to your home and interviews with everyone in your household who is 7 years or older. The forms for the home study are in the application packet. You can also find fillable versions on our website under "Forms and Resources for Foster Care Providers."
During the home study, you'll need to show that you can:
- Support the foster child's relationship with their family and help with visits and reunification
- Respect and support the child's race, culture, religion, and sexual orientation
- Handle emotions like anger, sadness, and frustration in a healthy way
- Have a support system, like family, friends, or community ties, that you can turn to for help
- Care for any special needs the child may have, including medical or emotional needs
- Be mature, caring, and able to follow the child's care plan
- Provide good supervision, fair discipline, and training that helps the child grow
- Work as a team with the child's social worker, school, and legal parents
- Understand Benton County's foster care programs and goals
- Follow Benton County and Minnesota state rules and policies