Below are answers to commonly asked questions about becoming a foster parent in Wisconsin. We cover topics such as eligibility, age requirements, housing, payments, daycare, firearms, pets, and more. Honest answers to help you decide if becoming a foster parent is right for you and your family.
Yes! We have a severe shortage of foster homes across Wisconsin and record numbers of children and youth are being referred to CCR monthly. See the 60+ Wisconsin county locations we serve.
CCR places kids ages 0-18. Our greatest need at this time is more homes for young siblings and older youth. However, foster parents can have age preferences. Learn how children are matched with foster homes.
There is NO cost to become a Wisconsin foster parent.
If you are looking for more support and transparent communication from a foster agency, we would love to speak with you. If you have a placement and wish to transfer with the child(ren) we can discuss that with you. Transfering takes less than 6 weeks.
Yes, foster parents can work full-time. However, a flexible schedule is required to foster with CCR. Plan on 2-4 appointments each week and unplanned interruptions. Foster children may not be left home alone, and most will require additional supervision or attention due to past trauma histories. Daycare is an option for working foster parents.
Yes, single foster parents are welcome at CCR. With a flexible schedule and a good 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
We're proud to offer round-the-clock support and weekly home visits to our foster parents. Our dedicated team includes five supervisors, each with over 25 years of service with CCR and our case managers have an average of 17 years with CCR. We believe our exceptional employee longevity reflects the appreciation and support our foster parents receive, setting us apart in an industry often marked by high turnover.
For more details about the differences read: Why choose a private agency.
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 Why Getting a Foster Care License Takes So Long.
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 may involve contact with the family during parent-child visitations, school meetings and events, court hearings, and many other instances as long as it is in the best interest of the child and foster family.
Yes, however, the goal for most children in foster care is reunification with their biological family. If parental rights are terminated, and a child is legally free for adoption, foster parents will be considered an adoptive resource. Read more about adopting 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.
Yes, foster parents can have a preferred age range. However, if you wish to foster younger children, CCR asks for a minimum age range of 0-8 years, including openess to siblings. Of course, we love it when foster parents offer a range of 0-18 years!
Read more about Choosing the Age of Foster Children.
Absolutely. Teens and siblings make up most of the 60-70 referrals we receive monthly. Many teens need foster parents to help with Independent Living Skills (ILS), cooking, shopping, laundry, applications, driver training, money management, schedules, and higher education opportunities. Many foster parents who originally preferred younger children have made the switch to helping and mentoring a teen.
Yes. 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. All adults residing in the home must want to be part of caring for foster children.
Your Clinical Case Manager will visit your home once per week. (CCR is proud to be the only Wisconsin foster agency providing weekly support visits) Visits are designed to provide great support to both foster parents and kids. CCR case managers have abundant experience and an average of 16 years of employment 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 previos felony, you may qualify to be a foster parent. Contact us and we can discuss your situation in confidence. Read more about background checks.
Fostering a relative is called Kinship care. CCR does not license homes for kinship or child-specific cases.
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.
No. CCR foster parents may not operate an in-home daycare.
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.
Keep in mind that you'll need some flexibility in your work day to meet the needs and appointments of kids in your care. Yes, kids can go to daycare depending on their emotional and behavioral needs. The state of Wisconsin will cover daycare expenses in most cases.
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.
Yes. Vacations are great for kids! International travel is also allowed!
Thank you for your interest in fostering children with CCR. Jane will be in touch with you very soon.
