2025 Session Last amended: 2025 session

§ 260D.03 — Voluntary Foster Care

Plain-Language Summary

A voluntary foster care agreement is the legal tool that allows a parent and a social services agency to place a child in foster care for treatment purposes. Before the agreement can be used, the agency's screening team must determine that the child's mental illness, developmental disability, or related condition genuinely requires foster care placement. The agreement must be in writing, signed by both the parent and the agency, and in a form approved by the state commissioner.

Practical Notes
Parents should read the voluntary foster care agreement carefully before signing because it has legal consequences for both parent and child. By signing, the agency gets legal authority to place the child, but the parent keeps legal custody. Parents are entitled to notice of what the agreement means and should ask for an explanation of all terms before signing.