Foster Care Frequently Asked Questions Foster care is temporary care for a child when they cannot safely remain in their home. A child may be placed in foster care for various reasons, but the intention is for the child to return home to their families, which is called reunification. The majority of children in foster care are reunified. A child’s foster parent may be their relative, like-kin, or nonrelative. What are some of the characteristics of children in foster care? Children in Wisconsin’s foster care system are between the ages of 0 and 18. Most often the children in need of a nonrelative foster home placement are not babies or toddlers; they are teenagers, sibling groups, or children with varying mental, behavioral, emotional, or physical health needs. How do I become a foster parent? Counties, tribes and child placing agencies license foster parents in Wisconsin. For more information about how to become a foster parent, contact the county where your home is located or the tribe you are a member of. Go to the Wisconsin Foster Care Coordinator Contact Information Map for more information. For more information about how to become a licensed foster parent through a private Child Placing Agency, go to the Child Placing Agency directory for more information. The agency will provide you with more information about how to apply, what the requirements and expectations of foster parents are, and answer any questions you have about caring for children in foster care. How old do I have to be to become a foster parent? You must be 18 years of age or older. Do I have to be married to become a foster parent? No. Is there an income requirement to become a foster parent? There is no minimum income requirement for foster parents. Families must demonstrate an ability to take care of family expenses outside of the reimbursement received for fostering. Can I become a foster parent if I work outside of the home? Yes, many foster parents work outside of the home to provide for their families. Foster parents should discuss with their licensing agency what options may be available to ensure the foster child is supervised while you are at work. Do I need to have previous parenting or caregiving experience to become a foster parent? No. What support is available to me as a foster parent? Foster parents are assigned a foster care coordinator or licensing professional who will provide support to you during the licensing process and after you become licensed. The Wisconsin Family Connections Center (WiFCC) offers a variety of information, resources, and support to foster parents. The Wisconsin Foster & Adoptive Parent Association, Inc. offers a variety of information, resources, and support to foster parents. Will I receive financial support to care for a foster child placed in my home? 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 Spanish Will I need to provide medical insurance for a foster child placed in my home? No, children placed in foster care receive Foster Care Medicaid. Foster Care Medicaid is a full benefit, fee-for-service plan. There are no co-pays, premiums, or deductibles. Household income does not impact eligibility for Foster Care Medicaid. Is there childcare assistance available for foster parents? Foster parents can apply to the Wisconsin Shares Program to determine if they meet the eligibility criteria for childcare assistance. Is there liability insurance for foster parents? A statewide fund provides some protection when the foster parent’s own insurance policies do not. This is called the Foster Parent Liability Insurance Program. The state fund may cover some property damage and personal injury if caused by the foster child. The extent of coverage and exclusions is subject to change. This brochure describes the foster parent insurance program in more detail. Can I adopt from foster care? The primary goal of foster care is to support children and their families so that they can reunify - and with the appropriate supports, most children and families do! Placement in foster care is meant to be temporary and gives families time to make necessary changes so the child can safely live in their home and community. It is only when all efforts to reunify families safely have been exhausted - including extensive engagement with relatives and other like-kin to the child and family - that other permanency options are explored, which may include guardianship or adoption. In those situations, efforts may be made to find an adoptive family that best meets the needs of the child, while maintaining safe connections with their parents and relatives however possible. The Public Adoption Program works to match children with an adoptive family.
