Michigan Foster Care Licensing Forms and the CWL-3889: What You Need to Complete

Michigan's foster care licensing process involves a specific set of forms at different stages — some completed before your license is issued, others used during and after placements. Knowing which form serves what purpose prevents the confusion that stalls many applications.

This post covers the key forms in sequence, starting with the licensing application materials and moving through to the documents you use during active placements.

The Licensing Application: CWL-3889 and Related Forms

Form CWL-3889 is the Michigan Children's Foster Family Home License Application. This is the primary application document you complete to begin the formal licensing process with either your county MDHHS office or a private child-placing agency.

The CWL-3889 collects:

• Applicant information for all adults in the household
• Disclosure of criminal history, CPS history, and prior foster care or adoption experience
• Household composition and physical address
• Emergency contact information
• Signature consents for background checks

The form is available through the MDHHS website and through licensed child-placing agencies. Some agencies now accept the initial application through the MI Bridges portal, which allows for digital submission and tracking of your application status.

What CWL-3889 does not do: It does not complete your background checks. It authorizes them to begin. The fingerprint appointment through Identogo, the Central Registry check, the sex offender registry review, and any out-of-state checks are separate steps triggered by the application submission. Do not assume that signing the CWL-3889 means the background checks are processing — confirm with your agency that the Identogo referral has been sent.

Background Check Documentation

Fingerprint authorization: Your agency issues you a referral to Identogo, the state's contracted vendor for digital fingerprinting. You schedule the appointment directly through Identogo. Fingerprints are submitted to both the Michigan State Police (MSP) and the FBI national database. Processing times vary — allow several weeks.

ICHAT consent: The MDHHS also uses the MSP Internet Criminal History Access Tool for a name-based state-level check. This is authorized through your application consent and does not require a separate appointment.

Out-of-state central registry authorization: If any household member has lived in another state within the past five years, Michigan is required to request a central registry check from those states. Your agency handles the request, but you will need to provide written consent and possibly contact information from your previous state of residence.

Medical Statements

All household members must provide a medical statement signed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. The statement confirms that the individual has no physical, mental, or emotional health conditions that would impair their ability to care for a foster child.

A tuberculosis (TB) test is also required for all household members. The TB test can typically be coordinated through your primary care physician at the same appointment as the medical statement.

Bring these requirements to your family doctor early. Scheduling delays for medical appointments are a common source of licensing timeline extensions.

Pet Vaccination Records

If your household includes dogs, cats, or other animals, you must provide proof of current rabies and distemper vaccinations for each animal. The licensing worker will also assess whether animals are safe around children during the home inspection. Have your veterinary records organized before the home study begins.

Training Completion Records

Pre-service training completion is documented by your agency or the training provider. The specific certificates you need before licensure includes:

• GROW (or PRIDE) pre-service training completion (27 hours, though Michigan requires a minimum of 12–15 hours before licensure with the remainder within six months)
• Infant Safe Sleep certification
• CPR and First Aid certification (requires a current, valid card)
• Car seat safety training completion
• Medication administration training completion

Your agency provides a master checklist of required training completions. Keep originals of all certificates and submit copies to your licensing worker.

The Initial Evaluation (Home Study Narrative)

The Initial Evaluation is not a form you fill out — it is a written narrative your licensing worker produces after completing the home study interviews and inspection. It documents the worker's assessment of your household's history, parenting philosophy, and readiness for licensure, and includes a formal recommendation to the Division of Child Welfare Licensing.

You will also submit an autobiography as part of the home study — a written account of your own upbringing, significant life experiences, and understanding of loss and adversity. Your agency provides guidance on format and content.

Three personal references from non-relatives must be submitted. References should be individuals who can speak to your character and your capability to care for children.

Forms Used During Active Placements

Once licensed and receiving placements, you will use a different set of documents.

Form DHS-221 (Medical Passport): This document accompanies every child placed in your home. It contains the child's medical history, immunization records, and current health information. You receive it at the time of placement. If it is incomplete or missing — which happens, particularly with emergency placements — contact your caseworker to request the full record.

Form DHS-3307 (Placement Outline): Also provided at placement, this document describes the child's background, current case plan, and placement circumstances. It tells you why the child was removed, what visitation arrangements are in place, and what the immediate goals of the case are.

Form DHS-3200 (Mandated Reporter Written Report): Michigan foster parents are mandated reporters under MCL 722.623. If you report suspected abuse or neglect verbally to the Centralized Intake at 1-855-444-3911, you must follow up within 72 hours with a written report using Form DHS-3200. Keep a blank copy of this form accessible.

Renewal Documentation

Your initial Michigan foster care license is valid for two years. Annual renewal requires confirming that:

• All household members continue to meet eligibility standards
• The home continues to meet physical inspection standards
• Required ongoing training hours have been completed

Your agency will initiate the renewal process and advise you on updated forms or changed requirements. As of 2025, Michigan licensing rules require that all household members who have moved in since the original license was issued complete background clearances before the renewal is finalized.

The paperwork load for Michigan foster care licensing is real, but it is manageable when you know the sequence. The Michigan Foster Care Licensing Guide includes a complete document checklist organized by licensing phase — so nothing gets missed and nothing sits waiting because you did not know it was required.

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