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FAIRMONT-- On Monday, Oct. 24, Human Services of Faribault and Martin County (FMCHS) is hosting an open house where information about licensed daycare and child foster care will be shared.
Lynn Smithwick, social services manager for FMCHS, said this is the first informational session they've had on this topic in a number of years.
The shortage of childcare slots has been a hot topic in the city of Fairmont and in the county for the past few years.
"Historically, at least in Martin County, it's not the lack of daycare providers, it's the lack of infant beds," Smithwick said.
She said that there are actually 52 in-home daycare providers in Martin County, and 25 in Faribault County, though they're often full. When it comes to finding spots for younger children, there's not much capacity.
"The need right now is yes, new daycare providers, but new daycare providers that can take infants and young children. That's the hardest part to fill," Smithwick said.
As for foster care, Smithwick said there is a small group of county foster homes that have a license to take care of children that need either respite or additional assistance.
"More so, we're looking for support for those families that are in the child protection process and are working on getting themselves and their family feeling better. Often times, the kids will have to be placed outside the home temporarily so it's really nice to have a lot of county foster homes if we can because then the child is closer to their home," Smithwick explained.
She said the first call for help is a relative because the children will feel more grounded with a relative. However, she noted that some of the families they work with don't have a good support system.
"That's when we say it would be better for the child to be placed close to home so they can work on their plans," Smithwick said.
Right now, there are just eight licensed homes in Martin County and three in Faribault County.
Smithwick said that she thinks people may be hesitant to make the commitment to become a licensed child foster care home because they worry about the length of stay. However, she said within child protection, they have 365 days to work with a family so while there's potential it could be a full year, she said often times they just need short-term respite.
"Maybe it will only be for a couple weekends. Maybe they just need a break and will get their work done sooner," Smithwick said.
She said she's been in contact with Fairmont High School and realized they're an un-tapped population and that they already know the children they're serving. She said there was expressed interest there.
Smithwick said the age range of someone needing to go into foster care could be a newborn up to age 16.
As for getting licensed to be a county foster home, Smithwick said a background check needs to be passed. A home study is also done where someone comes out to make sure the home is safe. In addition to that, some training is also required.
"There's a lot of steps to it but it's really not that cumbersome," Smithwick said.
The process for becoming a licensed in-home childcare provider is really similar as a background check and home study are done. An application and training is also required.
"You could be licensed within a couple months for both," Smithwick said.
The open house will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. in the community room at Martin County Human Services, located at 115 W. 1st St. in Fairmont. Smithwick said some daycare providers will be there and available to answer questions.
Anyone interested in becoming either a licensed in-home childcare provider or child foster care should attend. Smithwick said someone interested in one, may find that they're more interested in the other.
"I see daycare as a more long-term commitment, and foster care as short-term. The duration could be a year or a year and a half versus daycare providing would be a long-term commitment," Smithwick said.