We’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions about Wisconsin foster care and provided honest answers to help you explore becoming a Wisconsin foster parent.
Yes! We have a severe shortage of foster homes across Wisconsin, and record numbers of children and youth are being referred to CCR monthly. We never know what county a referral will come from, so we need homes across the state to meet the need. See the 60+ Wisconsin county locations we serve.
If you are looking for more support and transparent communication, you've come to the right place. We would love to talk with you and share how CCR is different than what you may be experiencing. Transferring takes less than 6 weeks.
Our staff and support services set us apart from other agencies. We provide 24/7 wrap-around care and transparent communication, courtesy of a team with an average length of employment of 17 years! No other Wisconsin agency can boast about employee retention and dedication like CCR. Our exceptional employee longevity reflects the appreciation and support our foster parents receive, as well as the compassionate case management our children receive, setting us apart in an industry marked by high turnover.
When our foster parents need us, we respond and provide the help and support they need. There's no waiting hours or days for a response.
Listen to our podcast: Choosing a foster agency.
Yes, single foster parents are welcome at CCR. With a very flexible schedule and a dependable support system from family and friends, single foster parents can successfully care for kids of all ages.
Read more about Being a Single Foster Parent
Foster parents can choose their preferred age range. However, if you wish to foster younger children, CCR asks for a minimum age range of 0-10 years, including openness to siblings. The greatest need across Wisconsin is more homes for young siblings and teens.
Read more about Choosing the Age of Foster Children.
Childhood trauma, child abuse, and severe neglect can significantly affect a child's brain development and may lead to long-term impacts on their emotional and behavioral growth. Basic parenting skills often fall short in addressing these needs. Therefore, it is crucial for CCR foster parents to complete trauma training and apply the appropriate tools and practices for parenting children with trauma histories. The CCR staff does a great job preparing new foster parents to care for kids with trauma histories.
There is NO cost to become a Wisconsin foster parent.
We have many working foster parents. However, a flexible schedule is required to foster with CCR. Plan on 2-3 appointments each week, and be prepared for unplanned interruptions. Foster children of any age may not be left home alone, and most will require additional supervision or attention due to past trauma histories. Read more details about working full-time.
There are many steps to getting a foster care license, and our staff gently walks applicants through the process. A license can be issued in 100 days.
Please read our blog How Long Does it Take to Get a Foster License.
Foster parents receive a monthly payment called a stipend. The amount is based on a child's age and needs. Please read our blog: How Much Are Foster Parents Paid.
Respite care offers foster parents a break. Think of it as babysitting for foster parents. An overnight, a weekend, or an afternoon break is essential to successful foster parenting. CCR foster parents can provide respite for each other or use a CCR-certified respite provider. Read more about respite care.
Foster children will attend your local public school. We are happy to discuss details with you if you wish for them to attend a school of choice. Homeschooling is not allowed.
Foster parents are part of a team. This typically involves contact with the family during parent-child visitations, school meetings and events, court hearings, and many other instances.
Most often, the goal of foster care is reunification with the biological family. If parental rights are terminated, and a child is legally free for adoption, CCR foster parents will be considered an adoptive resource. Many of our foster parents have adopted. Listen to our podcast: Can I adopt from foster care?
All Wisconsin foster children are issued a Medical Assistance card at the time of placement. Foster parents are not responsible for medical expenses, therapy charges, dental costs, optical expenses, or prescription drugs.
CCR foster parents are not required to own their home. Rentals of all types are acceptable. However, prospective foster parents may not rely on Government-assisted housing.
Absolutely. We never have enough homes for teenagers. Don't believe the myths and stories; talk with us about what it is like to foster a teen. Many CCR foster parents who originally preferred younger children have made the switch to helping and mentoring a teen. Read Emily's story of being in foster care.
Foster parents identified on the license should include all adults in the home who will have caregiving responsibilities for foster children on either a part-time or full-time basis. It is essential that all adults residing in the home are willing to participate in caring for foster children.
Yes, vacations are great for kids, and international travel is also allowed! Visit our Facebook page to see many travel photos from our foster parents.
Absolutely. Your pets will need to be up to date on vaccines, and a pet's temperament will be discussed if there is a concern.
CCR is proud to be the only Wisconsin foster agency providing weekly in-home support visits. Visits are designed to provide great support to both foster parents and kids. CCR case managers have extensive experience and an average of 17 years of service with us. That means long-term relationships and excellent communication.
A background check and fingerprints are required steps to become a foster parent. Traffic violations, parking tickets, most misdemeanors, and many felonies will not prevent you from obtaining a foster license.
If you have a criminal history, don't give up just yet; even if you have a previous felony, you may qualify to be a foster parent. Contact us and we can discuss your situation in confidence. Read more about background checks.
CCR does not license homes for kinship care. Child-specific cases are often accepted. Please contact us to discuss details.
Yes, however, keep in mind that you'll need flexibility in your workday to meet a child's higher needs, and you must be able to attend 2-3 weekly appointments. Being available before and after school is essential. The state of Wisconsin will cover daycare expenses in most cases. Learn about working foster parents.
Yes. However, in Wisconsin, unloaded firearms or other dangerous weapons must be stored and locked in an area not readily accessible to foster children. Trigger locks alone do not meet the above requirement, but may be a supplemental safety measure. A weapon cabinet with a glass front is not considered secure, even if it can be locked. We are happy to discuss details with you.
No. CCR foster parents are not permitted to operate an in-home daycare. Wisconsin does not allow dual-licensing.
Yes. This is called the Foster Homes Liability Insurance Program. The state fund covers some property damage and personal injury caused by the foster child.
Thank you for your interest in fostering children with CCR. We will call you as soon as possible.
