Foster Care Frequently Asked Questions

Foster care is home-like care provided by licensed foster parents for children who cannot live with their parents because they:

• are unsafe
• have special care or treatment needs that their parents are unable to manage
• other circumstances resulting in their parents or family being unable to care for them.

Placement in foster care is usually temporary and gives families time to make necessary changes so the child can safely live in his or her home and community. Most children in foster care return home to their families, which is called reunification. When children cannot return home, they find permanence through adoption, guardianship, or other means.

Children are placed in foster care for various reasons. Some examples include:

• a child who has been neglected,
• a child who has been abused,
• a child whose parent is in jail or is hospitalized and has no one to care for them during their parent’s absence,
• a child who has committed a delinquent act, or
• a child who has significant medical or mental health needs.

There are approximately 7,000 children in the Wisconsin foster care system. The children in the Wisconsin foster care system are between the ages of 0 and 21. Most often, the children in need of foster homes are adolescents, sibling groups, or have special needs. Many children in foster care have experienced some type of trauma. However, children are amazingly resilient. Foster parents can make the difference by providing a structured, nurturing environment.

Yes. Placement in foster care is usually temporary and gives families time to make necessary changes so the child can safely live in his or her home and community. When children cannot return home, they find permanence through adoption, guardianship, or other means.

When it is not safe for a child to return home, efforts may be made to find an adoptive family that best meets the needs of the child. These adoptive homes are sometimes referred to as foster home conversions. The Special Needs Adoption Program works to match children with an adoptive family.

Counties, tribes and private agencies license foster parents in Wisconsin.

• To learn about becoming a licensed foster parent contact the foster care coordinator in the county you live in.
• If you live in Milwaukee County, go to Foster Care in Milwaukee County for more information.
• To learn about becoming a licensed foster parent through a private Child Placing Agency, view the Child Placing Agency Directory for more information.
• To learn about becoming a tribal foster parent, contact the tribal foster care coordinator for your tribe.

The foster care coordinator will give you more information about becoming a foster parent with their agency, such as:

• licensing requirements, policies, and standards
• what to expect as a foster parent
• the foster parent application for their agency

During the application process, you will fill out paperwork and meet with social workers who will license your home.

To become a foster parent, you must be 21 years of age or older. There is no other age requirement and many “empty nesters” find foster parenting to be a rewarding experience.

No, you do not have to be married. Foster parents can be married, single, and in unmarried relationships.

There is no minimum income requirement for foster parents, as long as they can take care of family expenses outside of the reimbursement received for fostering.

No, many foster parents work outside of the home.  Foster parents should discuss with their licensing agency what options may be available to assist with child care costs.

No, many foster parents are childless. They are, however, responsible people who have made a commitment to children and demonstrate an ability to parent or learn to parent.

To become a foster parent, you must meet all of the following:

• 21 years of age or older
• Responsible adult
• Criminal background check, law violations, and other background information requirements
• Your home must meet all physical environment requirements

Complete foster home licensing requirements are listed in Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter DCF 56

Foster care coordinators work most closely with the foster homes licensed by their agency. Foster care coordinators will make sure foster families follow the foster care rules and policies.

Indian tribes are sovereign nations, which means they can create their own laws and regulations for certain programs or services. While some tribes use state licensing requirements, others have their own standards and policies. Foster parents licensed by or working with a tribe should contact the tribal agency to learn about the tribe’s policies.

Children need stability and agency staff offer foster parents plenty of support to maintain an even keel. For starters, before foster parents even take placement of their first foster child, the agency staff works with them to develop a profile of the type of child best suited to the experience and capabilities of the foster family. There is also respite care for those times that foster parents need a break. The foster care coordinator will also continue to provide support to foster parents after they become licensed.

All licensed foster parents receive a foster care payment to reimburse for the care of a foster child, called the Uniform Foster Care Rate. The foster care licensing agency will provide foster parents with a copy of the brochure explaining the Uniform Foster Care Rate, reimbursement amounts, clothing allowances, and how to appeal the foster care rate.

• Understanding the Uniform Foster Care Rate in English
• Understanding the Uniform Foster Care Rate in Hmong
• Understanding the Uniform Foster Care Rate in Spanish

No, foster parents do not pay any of a child’s medical expenses, other than over-the-counter medicines and supplies. Each child in foster care has BadgerCare Plus covering their medical, dental, and mental health care needs. Foster parents should talk with their foster care coordinator about medical costs a foster child may have.

A statewide fund provides some protection when the foster parent’s own insurance policies do not. This is called the Foster Homes Liability Insurance Program. The state fund covers some property damage and personal injury caused by the foster child. The extent of coverage and exclusions is subject to change. The agency that licensed the foster home can give foster parents up-to-date information, including the Foster Homes Liability Insurance Program brochure.

• Foster Homes Liability Insurance Program in English
• Foster Homes Liability Insurance Program in Hmong
• Foster Homes Liability Insurance Program in Spanish

Foster parents qualify for child care assistance as long as the foster parent is in an activity that qualifies under the Wisconsin Shares Program, including employment or education courses. Foster parents should contact their foster care coordinator or the child’s caseworker to find out specific information about how to enroll in the Wisconsin Shares Program. Since the Wisconsin Shares Program has established reimbursement rates, it is important for foster parents to fully understand any co-pay requirements that may apply to a specific child care provider.

Training is necessary to prepare foster parents and help them to continue to develop as a foster parent. Being a successful foster parent means continuing to learn through:

• classes and other training methods
• reading books or magazines
• talking with other foster parents
• continually developing new skills

Each foster parent is required to complete training in relation to their Level of Care certification. Training requirements fall into three categories:

• Pre-placement
• Initial licensing
• Ongoing

There are many resources available to foster parents throughout Wisconsin. Some of those resources are listed below.

The Foster Care and Adoption Resource Center(FCARC)

FCARC offers a variety of resources:

• Brochures
• Library and learning materials
• Posters
• Calendar of statewide events and trainings
• Support services to the foster care program in Wisconsin

Staff at the FCARC can also be reached by telephone at 1-800-762-8063.

Wisconsin Foster and Adoptive Parent Association (WFAPA)

WFAPA is a peer and volunteer-based organization that supports and advocates for foster and adoptive parents by:

• offering training
• providing support programs
• helps to create and support different legislative measures

National Foster Parent Association

The National Foster Parent Association is a non-profit, volunteer organization. Established, in 1972, as a result of the concerns of several independent groups who felt the country needed a national organization to meet the needs of foster families in the United States. The National Foster Parent Association aims to support foster parents in achieving safety, permanence, and well-being for the children and youth in their care.

International Foster Care Organization (IFCO)

IFCO is a global, non-profit networking organization serving to promote and support family-based foster care across the world. IFCO the only international network of foster parents.

Wisconsin Child Welfare Professional Development System (WCWPDS)

WCWPDS allows foster parents to browse and register for trainings, conferences, and online training modules. It also stores transcript information about the trainings foster parents have completed.

UW-Milwaukee Child Welfare Partnership (MCWP)

MCWP is a professional development program that is part of the Wisconsin Child Welfare Professional Development System (WCWPDS). MCWP provides a full array of training and professional development services to foster, adoptive, and relative families throughout Wisconsin.

State of Wisconsin Foster Parent Handbook

The Handbook is intended to give basic information about foster care in Wisconsin to newly-licensed foster parents and to serve as a refresher for experienced foster parents. In it, foster parents will find the following:

• An overview of the foster care program.
• Information about what is expected of foster parents.
• A discussion about the care of children in foster care.
• An explanation of the critical need to work cooperatively with birth families.
• An emphasis on the importance of foster family self-care.
• Additional tools and resource lists for foster parents.