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August 2026
You are receiving this email because you are a child foster care licensor or supervisor, or authorized agent for a child-placing agency. Please share this with other staff that work with CFC licensing (admin, case aides, county attorneys, supporting roles).
As you all are likely aware, foster care licensing functionality was expected to be included in the Salesforce Provider and Agency Hub with the goal of creating a shared platform and experience across license types.
During planning discussions, it was determined that foster care licensing would require the greatest level of customization among license types due to the nature of the work. As a result, DHS/DCYF supported the decision to transition child foster care licensing functionality into the future child welfare information system instead.
Although this is a shift in system planning, the overall goal remains the same: the state will continue modernizing and supporting child foster care licensing, now within the CCWIS system. Importantly, adding this functionality is not expected to add significant time to the overall project.
We acknowledge the significance of this change from previous planning efforts. DCYF wants to affirm that partner feedback was a key factor in guiding our analysis and conclusion.
If you would like more information about this planning update, please reach out to triage at dcyf.fostercarelicensing@state.mn.us.
There have been recent changes to the CFC Licensor Library due to legislative updates and other changes:
- The Licensor Link Newsletters and Monthly Webinar materials are now posted, including past issues and materials.
- The 2026 Implementation Plan has been added.
- A new document - Licensing Overview for Family Child Foster Care Providers – is now under the Licensor resources and information section. This document replaces the Relative Applicant Overview document, which has been taken offline.
- The CARS Variance form and CARS Guidance document have been removed. Effective July 1, 2026, license holders who have a CARS variance for relatives will need to complete B.E.S.T. training before the child requires a new car seat, before relicensing, or before additional foster children are placed in the home.
The Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors Family Preservation Committee hosted a resource video session for foster parents of American Indian Long Hair Teachings. The video can be viewed here - American Indian Long Hair Teachings for Caregivers of Children Impacted by the Child Welfare System.
Beginning July 1, 2026, all inspection request paperwork and the required inspection fee/bank check (made payable to MN State Fire Marshal) must be mailed directly to the State Fire Marshal Division. DCYF is creating a revised request form, which will be posted in the CFC Licensor Library as soon as it is finalized.
Legacy system background studies
As a reminder, Legacy system background studies are no longer valid after March 1, 2027. Between September 1, 2026, and March 1, 2027, all individuals subject to a background study in a child foster care home who do not have a completed background study in NETStudy 2.0 must have one initiated.
While many providers have already initiated background studies in NETStudy 2.0, some existing providers’ background studies were grandfathered in when licensing agencies transitioned to using NETStudy 2.0 in 2016. This grandfathering exception will end, and all individuals with legacy background studies that were submitted in the original NETStudy system must have a new background study initiated and completed in NETStudy 2.0. These background studies will include completing the consent and disclosure, fingerprinting and photo service, and for child foster care, a Child Abuse and Neglect Registry consent.
What license holders need to know
All license holders must comply with this requirement by March 1, 2027. To allow enough time to complete the background studies, providers are strongly encouraged to begin the process as soon as possible, and no later than March 1, 2027.
Payment for background studies
DCYF is charged $45 for each background study that is initiated in NS2. With an increase in initiated studies anticipated due to the legacy studies expiring, we are asking licensing agencies to proactively request a fingerprint extension on background studies, when possible, rather than initiating a new study. We receive a report on all studies that are initiated and there are some background studies that have been initiated 5+ times in NS2. While we understand that active efforts are being made to get providers licensed, which includes the completion of all background studies, we also need to be reasonable regarding the number of times an individual fails to comply with a background study before completing a recommendation for a licensing action.
If you have any questions or concerns about the above information, please contact CFC triage at dcyf.fostercarelicensing@state.mn.us
New resources help parents and caregivers prevent and identify physical infant abuse.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has released new tools for parents and caregivers aimed at preventing and identifying abuse in infants age 6 months and younger.
The Minnesota Legislature passed Statute 144.124 in 2025, which directed MDH to make resources available to educate parents and caregivers on the signs of physical abuse in infants and how to report it. MDH has developed a new webpage, fact sheet and social media posts to help families identify warning signs of physical abuse in babies 6 months old and younger and provide information about seeking immediate medical attention. Healthcare providers are also encouraged to use these educational resources during well-baby visits.
"Ensuring that parents and caregivers recognize the red flags for serious injury in babies is a vital step in protecting our most vulnerable Minnesotans," said Dr. Robsan Tura, assistant commissioner for the MDH Health Improvement Bureau. "By providing clear, accessible information during the first months of life, we are giving families and caregivers the tools they need to act quickly, trust their instincts and seek help before a situation becomes a tragedy."
Signs of physical abuse in infants can include bruising, mouth or facial injuries, as well as symptoms of abusive head trauma (also called Shaken Baby Syndrome). Infants under 6 months of age are more likely to experience serious physical abuse than older children. In 2025, there were 195 infant physical abuse cases opened for a child protection response in Minnesota.
"Physicians throughout Minnesota see firsthand the devastating, lifelong impacts of physical abuse in infants," said Dr. Katie Smentek, president of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. "Early intervention saves lives and I am proud to support efforts to educate parents and caregivers on how to identify symptoms that indicate a baby needs urgent medical attention.”
The new resources also provide information on how to report possible abuse and provide additional support for parents and caregivers.
Materials are available in English, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish on the MDH website Identifying Signs of Physical Abuse in Babies.
Please review this DCYF Bulletin regarding the intrastate process for child foster care placements in another county. If you are a licensing agency, please share this with the placing workers.
DCYF Bulletin 26-68-12 Intrastate Process for Child Foster Care Placements in Another County
Below are training opportunities offered and presented by DCYF's Child Foster Care (CFC) licensing staff. If you have already attended any of the courses below, you are welcome to attend again, as a refresher. Visit TrainLink to learn more about the courses offered. This is the schedule for the second half of 2026.
* Training dates and times are subject to change.
The Basics and Beyond - Child Foster Care
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*This course is intended for new licensing workers and supervisors
August 13, 2026: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (St. Paul, MN)
Licensing Complaint and Investigations - Child Foster Care
- August 19, 2026: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (St Paul, MN)
CFC PIF & 3324 - Child Foster Care
(NEW training available)
- August 20, 2026: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (Virtual)
Licensing Actions and Appeals - Child Foster Care
(NEW training available)
- September 16, 2026: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (St Paul, MN)
Licensing Actions and Appeals - Child Foster Care
(NEW training available)
- October 21, 2026: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (St Paul, MN)
CFC Home Safety Checklist Overview
- October 29, 2026: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (St Paul, MN)
The Basics and Beyond - Child Foster Care
- *This course is intended for new licensing workers and supervisors
November 12, 2026: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (St. Paul, MN)
CFC PIF & 3324 - Child Foster Care
(NEW training available)
- November 16, 2026: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (Virtual)
Licensing Complaint and Investigations - Child Foster Care
(NEW training available)
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*This course is two half days, must attend both days for credit.
November 18 & 19, 2026: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Virtual)
Regional permanency trainings are scheduled through September 2026. Visit FAM (Foster Adopt Minnesota) to learn more and to view topics.
Please contact the Permanency Quality Assurance team at northstar.benefits@state.mn.us for any policy questions, case consultations, information on the Northstar eligibility process, training or technical assistance requests, or to host a regional permanency training.
Below are the training dates and locations.
August 11, 2026: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Virginia Government Services Center (Virginia, MN)
August 18, 2026: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Mower County Government Center / Law Enforcement Center (Austin, MN)
September 30, 2026: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Crookston Eagles Club (Crookston, MN)
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