Requirements to become a foster parent

We are thrilled you are exploring how to become a foster parent. CCR encourages anyone from any of the 60 Wisconsin county locations we serve to apply to be a foster parent. We license homes at three levels of foster care, so there is a place for everyone who wants to help kids. Our goal is to help children heal from trauma. CCR foster kids have suffered prolonged abuse and/or neglect, and they require dedicated foster parents trained in trauma-informed care principles to help them heal. Please review the list below. If you meet each requirement, we would love to speak with you!

10 requirements to be a Wisconsin foster parent with CCR 

• A flexible day-to-day schedule with a parent at home before and after school, on school breaks, and on summer vacation. (read more below)
• Resident of Wisconsin
• 25 years or older (CCR will consider 21+ if a spouse is 25 or over)
• Financial stability (there is not an income requirement)
• Stable, healthy relationships, and people you can count on
• Willingness to learn about childhood trauma and use trauma-informed parenting skills
• Desire to foster school-age children, siblings, and/or teenagers (CCR does not place babies)
• Valid drivers license and auto insurance
• Willing and able to work with the children's biological family
• A clean background check (traffic violations, most misdemeanors, and many felonies will not affect your application

Foster parents are required to have a flexible schedule.

Yes, our flexibility requirement is more stringent than other foster agencies. It may seem like a lot for us to ask, and it is. However, before and after school care, daycare, and summer camps are not always successful environments for kids with trauma histories. We have helped thousands of kids and teens over the last 31 years. We have proven that structure, stability, and predictable routines and schedules are crucial to a child's healing ability. 

In addition, flexibility is required Monday-Friday for transporting or participating in 2-3 appointments each week. 

• Biological family visits
• Therapy/Support services
• In-home Case Management meetings

We do NOT require a stay-at-home parent.

We require foster parents to be available to their kids when they are not in school. We have many single teachers & school staff, small business owners, couples working different shifts, self-employed foster parents, retired folks, and many others. Let's talk about your schedule.

 

 Foster Parent myths worth debunking. 

• Parenting experience is NOT required. However, you must have the desire to help kids with trauma histories. 
• A large or expensive home is NOT required. Your home must be clean, uncluttered, and safe.
• There is NOT an income requirement. You must be able to pay your household bills each month consistently. (without relying on the foster parent stipend)
• Homeownership is NOT required. Apartments and rentals are great too.

If you have questions and would like more information, visit our Foster Care Frequently Asked Questions page. 

Ready to learn more and begin the process to become a foster parent? Contact us today. We can't wait to help you explore further!

Excited to get our foster care license!