How to Choose a Licensed Community Residential Setting in Minnesota
A Community Residential Setting (CRS) is a residential living program — commonly known as a group home, adult foster care home, or supported living site — licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 245D.
What is a Community Residential Setting (CRS)?
In Minnesota, a CRS is an individualized residential setting where a licensed operator provides 24-hour or scheduled supportive care to people with disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, mental health needs, or elderly individuals outside of institutional hospital settings.
Unlike standard rental housing, a CRS facility is physically maintained, staffed, and inspected under state safety mandates. It operates either as an Adult Foster Care home (serving 1 to 4 adults) or a Community Residential Setting licensed for 5 individuals.
Core Licensing Standards (Chapter 245D)
Physical Plant Safety: Annual fire marshal reviews, accessible entryways, and emergency egress compliant with Life Safety Codes.
Individual Rights: Protected rights under Minn. Stat. § 245D.04, including freedom from unnecessary restriction, personal dignity, and choice of physician.
Staff Qualifications: Background studies via NETStudy 2.0, direct support professional (DSP) training, medication administration certs, and positive support strategies.
Key Care Categories & Endorsements
Foster Care / Supported Living
926 active locationsLicensed foster care and supported independent living settings providing 24-hour or scheduled community living assistance.
Out-of-Home Respite
137 active locationsPlanned, scheduled respite care provided outside the primary family home to give primary caregivers relief.
Crisis Respite
87 active locationsShort-term residential stabilization and emergency respite care for individuals experiencing acute behavioral or support crises.
Adult Mental Health Certification
61 active locationsSettings holding specific DHS mental health certifications tailored for adults requiring structured psychiatric support.
Remote Overnight Supervision
7 active locationsApproved settings utilizing monitored technology to deliver overnight supervision remotely rather than with an on-site awake staff.
DHS Verification Checklist
Before signing a residency agreement or authorizing waiver funding, cross-check these items:
Active Status
Confirm the facility holds an active license without current conditional status or revocation orders on DHS Licensing Information Lookup.
Inspection History
Review DHS inspection reports from the past 24 months. Look for repeat correction orders related to health, safety, or staffing ratios.
Staffing Credentials
Confirm overnight staffing model (awake staff vs. sleep staff vs. remote technology) matches the individual's assessed safety plan.
Variance Clearances
If the home serves more than 4 individuals or serves specialized age groups, verify DHS approved a license capacity variance.
Questions to Ask Providers
When touring prospective community residential settings, ask leadership:
1. What is your direct-care staff turnover rate and typical shift tenure?
High turnover often impacts continuity of care and familiarity with individualized support plans.
2. How are medical appointments and transportation handled?
Confirm whether the facility provides wheelchair-accessible vehicles or coordinates with local county transit services.
3. What visiting hours and community outings are supported?
Ensure family visitation policies and community integration activities align with the resident's preferences and goals.
Ready to explore licensed providers?
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