Reform is necessary in [the U.S. state of] Minnesota to address both the statutory and procedural barriers that impede relatives from being licensed as foster care providers. This article tracks the history of foster care licensing requirements in Minnesota, discusses the real-life story of a grandmother with a grandchild placed in foster care, explains the federal mandates established through the Adam Walsh Act, discusses the existing flaws in the process, and highlights the ways in which Minnesota’s current statutory scheme and processes disproportionally impact communities of color. Finally, the article provides recommendations for both statutory and rule changes that will help relatives seeking to care for children through foster care.
