The most important thing a foster agency can do for foster parents is to support them. When a foster agency fails to provide necessary support services, children suffer, and foster parents quit. The biggest frustration among foster parents nationwide is the lack of support. We believe that outstanding support services are what set us apart from other agencies. Foster children can heal from trauma when support, training, and services are in place. Support services are why foster parents stay and why new foster parents choose to license with CCR.
The most important topic discussed during an initial conversation with us is support services. How will CCR support you and your family when you have children in your home. Will staff be available 24/7? Why should prospective foster parents believe CCR is different than other agencies when it comes to critical support services?
CCR has been supporting foster parents since 1989, and we believe it is the single most important factor in helping children heal from trauma. Here are a few ways we support our foster parents and how we differ from other Wisconsin foster agencies.
Most agencies provide monthly visits to their foster parents; other treatment foster agencies provide bi-monthly visits. We believe that weekly visits are critical for both foster parents and children. Our children have heightened behaviors and emotions due to prolonged child abuse and neglect. Subsequently, it takes a team of professionals to help kids reach their goals and make progress. Weekly meetings are key in helping a child heal from past trauma. Also, they offer foster parents opportunities to gain tools to be successful.
The weekly visit is spent with an assigned and dedicated clinical case manager (CCM). We are the only agency in Wisconsin requiring a Master's degree in Social Work. With exceptional low employee turnover, many of our foster parents have had the same caseworker assigned to their home for 10, 15, and 24 years! You can expect your CCM to answer your texts, take your late calls and share in your joys and frustrations. After hours, case managers are available through our 24/7 on-call hotline. Our entire staff works for the best interests of the foster children and foster parents. Listen as a former CCR foster youth describes his experiences:
Psychological evaluations and consultations are provided for all foster youth by Dr. Donna Rifken, PH.D. Interventions, consultations, and support are also available to our families caring for traumatized youth.
Our experienced training professional offers monthly continued education opportunities in many regions of Wisconsin. It is time for parents to fill their toolboxes with additional tools and resources to care for kids with significant trauma successfully. Foster parents find the foster parent training pieces interesting, informative, and a great way to connect and share with other foster parents.
All CCR foster parents need an occasional break. Self-care is essential for foster parents. CCR provides 2 days of paid respite care per month to every foster family. Our foster parents also appreciate the generous, 5 paid vacation days per year! We understand how important it is to take care of yourself so you can take care of your kiddos.
There is always someone available from our experienced team to help you solve a problem, handle an emergency, or answer a small question. We will not let you walk alone, and we will not abandon you on your journey.
We Promise.
