Racine County, WI

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 140 Racine County children placed in foster care system. The children in the 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.

Prospective foster parents to assess themselves before they accept the role of foster parent.

You can call 262-638-6595 to obtain information and discuss your questions with a foster care specialist.

If your family wishes to move forward, a Foster Care Program specialist will come to your home to acquaint you with the process and explain the forms, training and process you will be asked to complete.

The Foster Care Program specialist will schedule a home study/visit(s) with each prospective foster family to determine whether state licensing requirements are met. Part of the state requirements include a criminal background check, personal references, proof of physical health and insurances.

The process takes from 2-3 months. Racine County Foster Care staff will be available every step of the way to guide and support you through the process.

Prior to a home having a placement of a child, each foster parent is required to complete 36 hours of initial training and 10 hours of on-going training per year. Foster Care licenses are reviewed for re-licensing every 2 years.

When approved, a family is then considered available to care for foster children. The request of the foster parents as well as the individual needs of the child will determine when a placement occurs in your home. 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
• foster parent application

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

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.

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.

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.

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 Badger Care 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 childcare 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 childcare 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