Wisconsin Foster Parents Needed for Autistic Kids

Kaylie is a happy, busy 10-year-old girl in Wisconsin foster care. She has Jacobsen's Syndrome and autism. She was referred to CCR from a Wisconsin county foster agency in hopes of finding a foster family with a flexible schedule to meet her higher needs. Here are some highlights about Kaylie:

Wisconsin foster parents needed for kids with ASD

Kaylie is primarily non-verbal but can communicate most of her needs. She is enrolled in special education and is currently in the 4th grade. She struggled with school attendance in her last two foster homes, which has definitely affected her progress and ability to learn. Previous teachers report that Kaylie does well when she consistently attends school.

Kaylie does well with call-and-response, mimicking activities, showing needs, and using visual boards. Most days, her behavior is calm, and learning goes well; however, she can become angry, aggressive, and resistant on other days.

Fostering kids with autism requires creativity and flexibility

Kaylie loves music, dancing, and singing. She enjoys making music by clapping, stomping, and using wooden spoons on various containers. Dancing with a partner brings a huge smile to her face. Kaylie loves boxes! She will play with empty cereal boxes and cracker boxes for hours, filling, folding, and dumping things out repeatedly.

Creating a supportive home environment is crucial for Kaylie's well-being. She can become easily frustrated and upset, so having a safe space for her to calm down is important. Modifying the home environment with dim lighting, calming music, and soft surfaces can greatly contribute to her comfort.

Weekly visits with biological family are supervised.

Kaylie loves weekly visits with her mom and gets very excited when she first sees her mother. Kaylie feels tired the day after her visits and struggles to wake up for school. All activities are a challenge when Kaylie feels tired.

An experienced foster home or one with autism experience is desired.

Kaylie requires additional supervision and care so a home with a flexible or at-home parent is preferred. Previous foster parents have recommended that Kaylie not be placed in a home with children under age seven. She requires too much attention and can be difficult to handle while tending to the needs of younger kids. Although Kaylie has not demonstrated any harm to family pets, a pet-free home is preferred.

The great news is we found a loving, flexible CCR home for Kaylie! There will be others like her referred to us. If you are interested in caring for kids with ASD, we would love to speak with you. Of course, we always need homes for siblings and older kids too.

All identifying information are altered to protect the privacy of children.

Wisconsin Boy Needs a Pre-Adopt Foster Home

LaBron is a resilient 10-year-old Wisconsin boy in need of a foster home where he can feel safe, supported, and seen by his foster parents. His story isn’t easy—he’s experienced neglect, physical abuse, and has witnessed family violence—but despite it all, LaBron continues to show his vibrant personality and caring heart.

A boy in foster care with a big heart and a curious spirit

LaBron is the kind of child who lights up when trying new things. He especially loves tasting new foods; his favorite candy is orange Skittles. He enjoys playing basketball outdoors and watching his favorite TV shows. One of the ways LaBron shows his thoughtful nature is in how he plays and interacts with family pets. He is gentle, nurturing, and a helpful caretaker. A foster family with pets may be a perfect match for LaBron.

He had never had his own bedroom before and always shared a space with his mom, so he takes great pride in his tidy bedroom and bed. LaBron enjoys keeping his personal space neat and organized and takes excellent care of his belongings. These small routines help him feel grounded and in control—something that hasn't always been the case in his early years.

LaBron needs a foster family with time, patience, and a flexible schedule.

Because of his early experiences and diagnoses—Phonological Disorder, ADHD, and trauma-related stress disorder—LaBron needs a foster home that can offer structure, patience, and a lot of one-on-one time. He attends school with a 504 plan and is below grade level in most areas, particularly reading. When feeling overwhelmed, he visits the counselor’s office and wraps up in a weighted blanket to help self-regulate.

LaBron is sensitive to loud noises and can become overstimulated, so he must have space to calm down when needed. His ideal home would be quiet, predictable, and nurturing, with caregivers who understand trauma and can set firm but gentle boundaries.

He has weekly Zoom visits with his biological mom, who is incarcerated, and will need continued support for that relationship. He also needs ongoing therapy and medication management.

A pre-adopt foster family is desired

The referring county is searching for a pre-adoptive foster home, however, the goal remains reunification at this time, but that goal can change at any time.

LaBron would thrive in a home where:

He receives individual attention and patience
A foster parent can be present before and after school and during school breaks
There is structure, consistency, and clear expectations
He can continue therapy and medication support
There’s room for quiet, calm spaces when he needs to decompress
Pets are welcome—he gets along well with animals!

Fostering a child like LaBron means showing up with empathy, flexibility, and a willingness to parent using the trauma-informed skills learned in foster parent training. It means seeing beyond behaviors to the boy inside who wants to feel safe, valued, and part of a family.

You can learn more about how to become a foster parent with CCR and contact us when you're ready to take the first step.

All identifying information have been changed to protect the identity of children.

Why Foster Parents Need a Flexible Schedule

Why Having a Flexible Schedule Makes Foster Parenting Easier

Becoming a foster parent in Wisconsin is a big commitment, and a rewarding one. Most of the kids at CCR have moved homes more than once, which can make everyday routines feel harder for them. Simple things like school mornings, bedtime, or changes in plans can be overwhelming, and they need adults who can be present and steady when that happens.

That’s why fostering with CCR takes more than just meeting the basic foster care requirements.

To truly support children in foster care, foster parents need time and flexibility in their day. A flexible schedule helps with weekly appointments, in-home support visits, and unexpected moments. Being available before and after school when kids need you most is crucial.

Kids in Foster Care need a stable, structured home.

When children grow up without safety, predictability, or stability, it can show up in everyday ways, such as:

They stay in survival mode. Their brains are wired to expect danger, so they may constantly be on edge, hypervigilant, or easily triggered.
They struggle to trust. When caregivers have been inconsistent or hurtful in the past, children may test limits, push people away, or act out even when they’re finally in a safe home.
They have big emotional reactions. Without stable parents/caregivers to model and teach self-regulation, they may have extreme emotional responses (e.g., screaming, shutting down, aggression).
They try to regain control. Some children become defiant, overly controlling, or withdrawn as a way to protect themselves and feel safer.

What are some behaviors of kids in foster care?

When children enter foster care, even a safe and loving home can feel unfamiliar. Because of this, behaviors often become more intense at first, especially outside of school hours. This is when having a foster parent available matters most.

Testing limits to see if a caregiver will leave or give up
Big emotional reactions or shutting down
Struggles with transitions and changes in routine
Fear of attachment, including pushing caregivers away
Acting younger than their age as they seek missed care

What does a flexible schedule look like?

CCR foster parents take on more than just daily care. They must be ready to:

Schedule and drive kids to therapy appointments, often weekly
Be available for school meetings, medical appointments, and unplanned interuptions
Participate in weekly home visits with their case manager
Transport kids to and from visits with biological family members
Be home when kids are out of school, on breaks, or not involved in structured activities

These commitments are not optional, they’re part of what helps a child heal and grow.

Adult supervision is required

Children with trauma histories need more supervision, not because they’re “bad,” but because they’re learning how to feel safe and regulate their emotions, often for the first time.

That learning process is not quick, and it doesn’t always fit neatly into a lunch break, scheduled PTO, or after-school schedules. Being present during these moments is how our foster parents build trust and teach safety.

Can foster parents work from home?

Although foster parents are physically present, remote work still requires focus and attention that takes away from the supervision and emotional presence a child needs. The distractions of work can leave a foster child feeling unseen, or even unsafe, which can lead to more challenging behaviors.

Being a foster parent might be the best "work" you've ever done!

Being present, flexible, and responsive makes all the difference to a child who has never had that before. If you’re considering becoming a foster parent, ask yourself: Can I create the space and flexibility in my life to show up for a child who’s never had someone stay?

We would love to talk with you. Please contact us when you're ready to learn more.

Teens in Wisconsin Foster Care Feeling Unwanted

Jake is among the dozens of Wisconsin Foster Care teenagers referred to us monthly. He has been in a Wisconsin residential facility for 7 months and is eager to move in with a loving foster family. Jake needs a well-structured environment with adult supervision, consistent expectations, and fair rewards and consequences.

Teens in Wisconsin foster care struggle to find homes.

Finding a flexible foster home for a teenager like Jake is a challenge. This is partly because many foster parents are afraid of teens and thus wish to help younger children. Also, it can be difficult for working foster parents to provide the necessary supervision and attend appointments. Jake has therapy sessions twice a week, which are essential for his progress and transition back to a family environment. Individual and family therapy will help support his development and adjustment.

Wisconsin teens often feel unwanted and out of place.

Jake desperately needs emotional nourishment and support to feel valued and secure. He has endured significant trauma due to his abusive family background, having been exposed to drug use, domestic violence, and physical abuse. He felt adrift amidst the turmoil of his home life and the previous foster homes he lived in before the group home failed to provide the stable environment he needed.

Jake hopes to connect with a friendly couple or single foster parent who won't give up on him. He feels that people judge him quickly because he is an older teen in foster care. Living in a group home has taught him a lot, but he admits that he still needs to work on healthy relationships, managing his anger, and making better decisions.

Jake is eager to acquire new skills that will help him become independent and care for himself once he leaves foster care. He is fearful that he will fail once out of foster care.

Jake will need the following from a foster family:

Monitoring of medication by a psychiatrist
Supervision around children under age 12 or vulnerable individuals
Participation in positive community activities to foster healthy social relationships
Individual bedroom accommodations
Working towards high school graduation
Involvement in family therapy with his biological family
Ongoing support to learn skills for independent living

Foster kids often visit with biological family

During visits with his family, Jake quickly becomes annoyed and verbally aggressive. When his older brother intervenes, he can become physically aggressive. Family therapy seems to be helping Jake with his anger and aggression towards family members. His parents struggle with mental health and drug use. Jake reports that his family home was chaotic and overwhelming. Consequently, he would like a foster home that is laid back yet has some structure.

Above all, he hopes to have foster parents who are calm and don't yell too much. He feels that nobody listens to him or cares what he thinks.

Teens in Wisconsin foster care want a chance to succeed.

Jake is polite, helpful, and considerate of others. He doesn't mind helping with household chores and is eager to learn new things. He acknowledges that he struggles with managing his anger and is open to trying new methods to control it. He enjoys being around family pets and assures his new foster parents that they can count on him to be kind to their animals. Jake wants his new family to give him a chance to prove that he is changing and making progress.

With structure, patience, and a calm home environment, Jake has enormous potential to heal from his trauma. He is currently receiving mental health services and will need the support of his foster parents to stay on a path of growth and healing.

Youth like Jake are referred to CCR daily. Unfortunately, CCR did not have a foster home in the right location to accommodate Jake.

Regardless of the county you live in, we encourage you to consider fostering older children. We desperately need homes in all corners of the state. Please contact us to explore how to become a foster parent.

* To protect the identity of all children, real names are never used in any CCR blogs or social media posts.

Wisconsin Foster Child Desperate for a Family

Arthur is a 12-year-old who loves school and tacos. He has been in Wisconsin foster care for nearly half his life. He is one of almost 40 children referred to us in the past month from county foster agencies across Wisconsin. We tried unsuccessfully to match Arthur with a CCR foster family that could meet his elevated needs. A lack of foster families for kids like Arthur is an ongoing problem with no end in sight. Telling a county, "We don't have a home," never gets easier. Here is Arthur's story.

Hundreds of Wisconsin foster kids need loving homes.

His story resembles the hundreds of kids we could not match with a loving family this year. He is a great kid who desperately wants to belong. He misses his mom and siblings. He is a boy trying to be "good" while not able to understand his circumstances fully.

On paper, Arthur looks like lots of other boys. He loves school, pizza, and tacos. He is helpful and sensitive to others. On most days, Arthur is in a good mood. He does well when things are organized and in order. Structure and clear expectations are beneficial in keeping Arthur focused.

Like many boys, he enjoys Legos, karate, playing outside, and science-related activities. Although he is nearly 13, he demonstrates the development and maturity of a 10-year-old. Arthur most often shows respect and an interest in others. He does well in school, completing work and assignments on time.

Wisconsin foster parents can provide a structured environment.

Arthur is capable of following simple directions most of the time. He does best when given one task at a time rather than multiple instructions or tasks. Healthy boundaries are an ongoing treatment piece for Arthur. He is currently working on asking for hugs instead of hugging someone without consent. A foster home with a structured environment with clear rules and boundaries is critical. Having a parent at home when Arthur is not in school would be best.

Misplacing and losing his eyeglasses is a continued problem that Arthur is trying hard to do better with. Arthur is prescribed several medications but is overall healthy and likes to get exercise. It is noted that Arthur is full of high energy in the morning. This appears to be related to his excitement to attend school, as he often wants to go immediately and struggles to wait. Arthur must be challenged to stay active to expel his energy and thrive in his new placement.

It would be essential for Arthur to remain involved in therapy on a consistent and regular basis.

Respite care offers Arthur a visit with his biological siblings.

Although Arthur's biological mother resides out of state, he has weekly telephone contact with her. The frequency of the mother's contact has increased over the past two months. She has recently expressed a desire to visit Arthur in person. Parental rights have been terminated for all of Arthur's siblings. Two of the siblings have been adopted, and the adoptive family is open to continued contact with Arthur. He inquires about his siblings often. The adoptive mother often offers respite care for Arthur so the children can spend time together.

A two-parent household with a parent available to Arthur when he is not in school is desired. Due to his energy levels and need to be busy and engaged, it would be best if Arthur were placed in a foster home with other children.

There have been no known instances of physical aggression with peers in the last six months. Arthur does not instigate peer conflict. However, he can be verbally aggressive in retaliation. Arthur will attempt to fit in with his peers, often resulting in negative consequences since the kids he responds to exhibit inappropriate behaviors.

It has been noted that before Arthur's current placement, many of his medications prescribed previously were likely not effective in helping to manage behaviors. Medication changes have taken place and seem to be effective.

Many foster children require an Individual Education Plan (IEP)

Arthur enjoys school and especially likes math. He has an IEP for learning needs. The IEP also includes a learning disability in reading and written expression. There are no concerns at this time with current teachers and aides. Arthur has made significant progress. Before his current placement, he had several verbal and physical altercations at school. He would threaten others, refuse to do his work, and on one occasion, he intentionally hit his head against a wall. Again, there has been no negative behavior in the current placement.

Foster kids thrive with positive reinforcement.

Arthur must have outlets and opportunities for physical activity. He has a lot of energy and thrives when given a structured opportunity to expel his energy. Arthur craves affection and will assert himself to have this need fulfilled. Reminders are needed to respect other people's personal boundaries and personal space. Foster parents should clearly outline rules and expectations. He does best with positive reinforcement.

It will be necessary for Arthur to establish a relationship with a potential family before placement. An overnight or weekend preplacement visit would be beneficial. A therapist should be established for Arthur before his new placement to ensure no disruptions in his treatment.

Community Care Resources receives approximately 40-45 referrals each month. We do our best to match each child and sibling group with a CCR foster family that can best meet their needs. The challenges of caring for a child with heightened behaviors require CCR foster parents to have flexible schedules. This allows for unplanned interruptions, meetings, appointments, and family visits.

We desperately need more foster homes to care for kids like Arthur. Feel free to call us anytime if you'd like to learn more. 800-799-0459

*Names and identifying information of children in all CCR blogs are changed to protect privacy.

Ask This Before Becoming a Foster Parent in Wisconsin

If you want to become a foster parent in Wisconsin, it is important to do research and ask questions of the foster agency. Learning everything you can before committing to an agency will be beneficial when caring for foster children in your home. Most people know the basic questions to ask, but one question stands out. There is one question everyone should ask of a foster agency.

The first step to becoming a foster parent in Wisconsin.

The CCR team answers calls, emails, instant messages, and texts from prospective foster parents daily. We answer dozens of questions on how to qualify and the steps to become a foster parent. We address everyone individually and personally. We do not offer generic group information sessions or send out packets of information to be explored at home. We want folks to have ALL the foster care answers needed to make the best decision for themselves and their family. Transparency and honesty are promised to everyone inquiring.

Can I Be a Foster Parent?

Wisconsin needs foster parents as diverse as the kids/youth care. More foster parents are needed in counties across Wisconsin. CCR welcomes a diverse pool of foster parents, including differences in age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, education, and financial means. Who you love, where you live, and how much money you make aren't important - we recognize that what matters most is that you have the love, time, and patience to care for a child with heightened trauma temporarily.

Anyone can apply to be a foster parent.

Married, single, partnered, divorced, or widowed. Your relationship status doesn't matter to the kids in foster care or us. Families come in many different shapes and sizes, and we assess everyone who applies to foster similarly. Some children in care may benefit from being placed with a single foster parent. Others may thrive from the balance of a nuclear, two-parent household. A widower might be the perfect match for a boy in care. As long as you are 25, you will need a support system and a flexible schedule regardless of your relationship status.

LGBTQ hoping to be a foster parent, you've come to the right place.

We proudly support the LGBTQ community, believing everyone should have an equal chance to foster a child. Your self-identity or sexual preferences should not be a concern or prevent you from becoming a foster parent. CCR aims to place as many children as possible in loving, stable homes where healing can happen. Equality is our approach, and placing more children in need into the arms of more loving foster parents is what we’re here to do.

We're looking for foster parents who want to make a difference and meet kids where they are at. Some youth feel more secure and accepted with LGBTQ foster parents. Many youth benefit from a gender-affirming foster home. There are hundreds of kids longing to be accepted and loved. We need more foster parents who want to learn about trauma and how to parent children with trauma histories. We will teach and guide you no matter who you are, how you identify, or who you love.

Foster parents come from a variety of backgrounds.

There are over 7,400 kids in Wisconsin foster care from all corners of the state. Each child is as different as the families caring for them. Having a wide variety of families is essential to meet the children's individual needs. No matter your race, ethnicity, or national origin, we welcome you to foster with us to help us build an even more robust, diverse nurturing community.

Do you have a high school diploma? Perhaps you never completed high school. That's okay. There is no higher education degree required to be a foster parent. We currently need foster parents of all educational backgrounds in the 60 county locations we serve.

Kids or no kids either is okay.

Many CCR foster parents have biological children. Others have stepchildren, adopted kids, or guardianship. Many CCR foster parents do not have children. They may have nieces or nephews or have worked with children, coached, or volunteered with kids in the community. All are welcome to explore fostering with us. Any experience with children/youth is valuable. Being open-minded and willing to learn how to parent using trauma-informed skills will be necessary.

What do people believe disqualifies you from becoming a foster parent?

Criminal background or problematic past.

Maybe you found yourself walking a different path in previous years. Perhaps you have minor offenses in your past that you're worried might stop you from fostering. You may even have a felony from years ago. Sometimes the challenges a person has faced, or their life experiences are precisely why they would be a successful foster parent. Please talk with us; we can tell you if your history will allow or prevent you from fostering a child. Most misdemeanors and many felonies will not disqualify you from fostering.

Renting vs. owning a home.

Do I need to own a house to be a foster parent? No. You need a home suitable for fostering, with bedroom space for a foster child or siblings. In addition, you must be free from any form of housing assistance. Foster parents live in various home types, including; apartments, townhomes, trailer homes, and duplexes. Homes must be safe and meet all state licensing requirements. Our team will guide you through the legal and safety requirements of preparing your home to welcome foster children.

Family pets and farm animals.

The majority of our foster families have pets. From dogs and cats to cows and chickens, pets and farm animals can often be a comforting friend to a foster child. However, ensuring that any pets in your household can live safely alongside foster youth is essential. Pets will be assessed as part of the process in areas such as behavior and temperament, and vet records demonstrating up-to-date shots are required. In addition, not all children can be successful living with pets. If a child has a known history of animal aggression or fear of animals, we will search for an appropriate foster home without animals.

Being financially stable.

It does not matter how much or how little income you have. What matters is that you are financially stable. The ability to pay your bills on time and take care of your household using your income is required. CCR foster parents must be free of housing assistance and food stamps. Any disability benefits will be reviewed to ensure that proper care of the children can be met.

Personal experiences

Your childhood and adult experiences may help you connect with a child/youth and relate to their trauma history. Every foster parent has something different to offer a child. What matters most is that you desire to learn about childhood trauma and can provide a stable and structured environment. Your life experiences, bad or good, could make you the perfect match for a child/youth in foster care.

We need foster homes with flexible schedules in all corners of Wisconsin. We especially need more homes wishing to help siblings and teens. Please contact us anytime to discuss your interest and learn more about fostering with us.

Kids in Foster Care Trying to Survive Trauma

Children are in Wisconsin foster care for a wide variety of reasons. Every reason creates or stems from a traumatic experience or series of experiences. We have written many blogs about kids referred to CCR. We share as much information as we can while protecting the child's privacy. Our goal is to help prospective foster parents understand trauma and its effects on children. Sadly, we share another unimaginable story of a 12-year-old girl who needed a loving home.

Wisconsin foster care is full of kids trying to survive their trauma.

We often tell prospective foster parents to focus on a child's presenting issues and behaviors vs. the child's age. Many new foster parents that want to foster younger children discover quickly that kids can present much younger than their age. Tasha is an example of a child whose behaviors and emotions do not match her age. Although she is 12 years old, Tasha behaves like a much younger child with regular outbursts and attention-seeking behaviors. Although in sixth grade, Tasha has an IEP (Individual Education Plan) and struggles socially with peers. Her exposure to a tragic and frightening incident compounded her trauma to another level.

Tasha has a tough time when told "no" and has been known to scream profanities when angry. At 12 years old, her behaviors are more like a younger child throwing a tantrum. Door slamming and foot-stomping are commonplace. She was not disciplined by her biological parents and was provided with little structure or boundaries. A history of neglect has taken its toll on Tasha, and the only way she knows how to express herself is through heightened, unhealthy behaviors.

CCR foster parents use trauma-informed parenting tools to help kids.

The CCR clinical staff says "basic" parenting skills don't work with kids with trauma. They are right. All CCR families complete trauma-informed care training to gain the knowledge and tools needed to care for kids with trauma histories. Kids like Tasha do not respond to basic discipline tactics and logical consequences. Studies on children like Tasha show that severe deprivation or neglect: disrupts how children's brains develop and process information, thereby increasing the risk for attentional, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral disorders. Using trauma-informed parenting skills helps kids like Tasha learn, heal, and grow.

Neglect accounts for 78% of all child maltreatment cases nationwide,

Tasha's biological father is deceased, and she lived with her mother and stepfather until late 2021. Her mother and stepfather have a long history of drug addiction and domestic violence; both were addicted to Opiates, as was her stepfather's sister Joanne. Tasha was regularly in the presence of adults using drugs. Tragically, Tasha witnessed Joanne overdose and pass away in the family's home. Her stepfather told Tasha to call the police and give false information during the overdose. When the police arrived, they found drugs accessible to Tasha and subsequently removed her from home, and she was placed in a county foster home.

County foster homes are often unable to meet the higher needs of foster children.

Tasha's foster parents gave written notice to have her removed from their home. The foster parents stated they struggled to regulate Tasha's attention-seeking behaviors and found caring for their four biological children very difficult while tending to her heightened needs. Both foster parents worked outside the home and utilized afterschool care for Tasha. She struggled in the unstructured environment. The couple believed that Tasha required additional services not currently provided, and the county agency agreed.

The case was referred to CCR in hopes of matching Tasha with a family offering a parent available to her at all times outside of school hours. The ideal foster home would not have other children living in the house to provide Tasha with much-needed one-on-one attention. In addition, an experienced foster home using trauma-informed parenting tools would be best for her.

The referring county's goal was to reunify Tasha with her family. It was anticipated that she would need a foster family to commit to at least an 18-month period. Sadly, we did not have a CCR foster home available in the right location that could meet Tasha's needs. Tasha is one of over a dozen kids near her age that we could not place this month.

Foster parents are needed in all counties for kids like Tasha.

Referrals are pouring in at CCR, and we do not have enough homes for all the children. Many are sibling groups, and a large number are over age eight. They are good kids that need more than what a basic Level 2 foster home can provide. They need treatment services to address their trauma and foster parents willing to learn about trauma-informed parenting.

Tasha is a perfect example of why CCR requires all foster parents to have a flexible schedule with a parent available when kids are not in school. Kids with significant trauma histories need a structured, stable home environment utilizing trauma-informed care parenting tools. They have difficulty succeeding in daycare, afterschool programs, and summer camps. We

Our experienced team is dedicated to foster parents and kids to ensure foster parents feel supported and kids have ample opportunities to heal.

All identifying information are altered to protect the privacy of children.

Foster Mom of 5 Siblings Loves Being a Foster Parent

I have always wanted to be a foster parent for sibling groups.

My name is Heather; I am a stay-at-home Wisconsin foster parent and cannot express enough how amazing CCR has been for my family and me. When I first looked into how to become a foster parent, I reached out to a local private agency and my county foster care agency. It took many phone calls and several weeks to get return calls or an information packet in the mail. I was frustrated already and had barely begun. I found CCR online while doing more research and made the call. They answered immediately and talked with me for nearly an hour! My husband and I were licensed a couple of months later. That is quick!

We received placement of a large sibling group 11 days after licensing. Very quick! We instantly went from a family of 4 (soon to be 5) to a family of 9 (soon to be 10). Yes, I was pregnant, had two kids of my own, and said yes to fostering a large sibling group. Our dream! We are thrilled and blessed to foster these five precious kids. Here is a quick story of how we got to be a family of 10.

Heather Doherty

All foster parents deserve 24/7 support and transparent communication.

We chose CCR for MANY reasons. Just the first phone call alone, I could tell how much they genuinely care about the children that have to go through this challenging process. They have a fantastic training course with so many members to help you and answer any questions along the way. Unlike most agencies, with CCR, you will ALWAYS be able to get ahold of someone to talk to about anything that comes up at any time of day or night.

My husband and I wanted to foster sibling groups to help them stay together. These children often find themselves at CCR because it is hard to find homes to take all the children together. I admit I thought it was a little invasive, knowing we would have a case manager in our house every week. But oh my goodness, it’s AMAZING. I love my case manager Wanda! At least for the first month, that poor lady was getting phone calls from me daily! Sometimes a few a day! She answered and talked me through all my questions and concerns or even vented about what’s happening with my bio children!

There are so many siblings in foster care.

We wish we could live in a world where foster parents weren’t needed, and kids were safe at home. Unfortunately, that’s not the case, and more and more kids are being removed daily. Neglect, all forms of abuse, death in the family, or even the parents just needing a little help to get back on their feet. I look at my foster children every day, and my heart hurts knowing that there are kids out there falling through the cracks or hiding their pain from what’s happening at home, so nobody knows.

Even the thought that maybe without my husband and I, they would be separated and in different homes away from each other makes my heart hurt. All five kids have been a blessing to our family.

I’m so blessed to be a part of the CCR family and am so thankful for the kiddos in my home. Watching them and guiding them to overcome their trauma and hardships can be challenging at times but amazingly worth it.

Please consider fostering. Don’t think you have the room? Call and ask. Don’t think you have the time? Call and ask. Don’t think you have the financial means? Call and ask. If you have the heart to do it and the patience, I promise you it’s worth it.

Some so many kids need a home. One loving home could change their life completely.

If you have any questions, please reach out to CCR or even ask to talk with me. I am willing to help in any way I can.

Sincerely,

Heather, proud CCR foster mom of 8.

Why Are So Many Kids in Foster Care

Wisconsin foster parents understand the challenges of caring for kids from hard places. Unfortunately, children in foster care have experienced unsafe conditions, sexual or physical abuse, and neglect or have parents who cannot care for them. Most kids in Wisconsin foster care have been severely neglected, partly due to parental drug use. A sibling group of five recently entered care, and the conditions and family dynamics that led to their removal are shared below.

The #1 reason kids are in foster care.

The "Martins" cannot control their substance abuse, and it inhibits their parental capacities. Their children are vulnerable and exposed to threatening circumstances they cannot manage or control. The behavior of both parents has ill effects on the children, and extended family members have not successfully shielded the children from the impact of their drug addiction and behaviors. Mr. and Mrs. Martin do not have sufficient, safe housing for their children.

For over three years, the Martins informally placed their five children, ages 9, 6, 5, 3, and 2, with family members and friends. Finally, in late 2018, temporary caregivers agreed that Mr. and Mrs. Martin would attend a drug treatment program for their addiction to methamphetamine and heroin. Yet, six months later, neither enrolled in a treatment program and had minimal contact with their children.

Family and friends could not keep the siblings together for most of the three years. As a result, the children were separated and moved frequently between homes. Mr. and Mrs. Martin made several attempts to care for the children but repeatedly sent the kids back to family and friends.

The Department of Human Services reportedly offered the family services since early 2019. Those services included relative placements, guardianship, jail visits, voluntary placement agreements, referrals for mental health and AODA, transportation, groceries for relative caregivers, power of attorney paperwork, and home visits.

A sibling group of 5 enters foster care.

In 2021, family members could no longer care for the children and returned to living with their parents. Shortly after that, the children were found in a camper during the arrest of Mr. Martin. The trailer was in disarray, and the children were taken to County Health and Human Services. Human Services determined that neither of the parents could care for the children, and a protective plan was implemented. A medical evaluation resulted in a hair follicle examination and returned positive for environmental exposure to methamphetamine for all five children.

Under Wisconsin's Stature 48.13(10), neglect is defined as Whose parent, guardian, or legal custodian neglects for reasons other than poverty to provide necessary care, food, clothing, medical or dental care, or shelter to seriously endanger the physical health of the child. Critical care includes protection from behaviors that threaten a child's physical health.

A chaotic lifestyle surrounded by drug use and domestic violence.

Mrs. Martin has been referred to various programs for intravenous drug use, anxiety, depression, and paranoia. She states that Mr. Martin has threatened to kill her on two occasions. Mrs. Martin has a strained relationship with her biological mother and has limited contact. She cannot remain employed due to continued drug use and high anxiety levels. Inpatient programs have been unsuccessful, and she is now considering an outpatient self-help program.

Mr. Martin reports he has struggled with drug addiction for 20 years. He believes an inpatient stay at a rehabilitation center will be most successful in achieving sobriety. Unfortunately, attempted inpatient stays in the past have failed due to repeated drug relapses. At this time, he is hopeful to begin another drug program soon. Upon completion, he wants to find employment and support his family. Mr. Martin states he struggles with prescription medication, meth, and heroin and has a long history with law enforcement, including:

Auto theft
Bail jumping
Resisting an officer
Manufacture/Delivery of narcotics
Reckless endangerment
Burglary
Aggravated battery
DWI
Possession of prescription drugs without a prescription

Mrs. Martin recently filed for legal separation from Mr. Martin. Mr. Martin is currently in county jail for possession of controlled substances. Mrs. Martin has recently applied for disability benefits and is in an active AODA program, and Mr. Martin hopes to attend an inpatient program upon release.

How long are kids in foster care?

Generally, placement in foster care is temporary and intended to give families time to make necessary changes so that the children can live safely in their homes 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.

This sibling group is cared for in a loving foster home, and reunification is the permanency plan for the family. The Martins have challenging work ahead of them. Both must establish mental health and AODA therapy to reunify with their children and show continued involvement and participation in that program. They must demonstrate that they can parent the children without drug use. In addition, the Martins must establish sufficient, safe housing for themselves and the children.

If the parents cannot eliminate or manage the safety concerns that threaten the children's well-being, Human Services will look for permanency options other than reunification. On average, kids like this sibling group of five spend 12-24 months in a CCR foster home. Each child has a specific treatment plan to address trauma histories and help the child heal and flourish. CCR foster parents adopt approximately 18% of kids in care.

Foster agencies struggle to place large sibling groups.

Many county agencies need help placing larger groups, so they often refer the kids to a private foster agency like CCR. We receive 40-50 referrals from counties across Wisconsin each month. Many are sibling groups of 2, 3, 4, or 5. Half of our foster parents are caring for siblings or more than one child. Our foster parents are prepared and trained to care for siblings and children with higher-level needs due to abuse and neglect.

It takes three months to become a foster parent with CCR and begin fostering a child or siblings.

Interested in learning how you can help siblings in Wisconsin foster care? Please feel free to contact us anytime. We would love to speak with you.

*You may have questions after reading this. Please take time to learn how and why children are removed from the home. Rules that govern Wisconsin foster care.