Top 5 Wisconsin Foster Care Qualifiers

Qualifying to become a Wisconsin foster parent is much easier than you may think. There are many myths surrounding foster care that should definitely be ignored. The basic qualifications to provide foster care in Wisconsin are easily met by the vast majority of people that contact us. Basically, if you can offer a healthy home environment, have bed space, are financially stable, and have some flexibility, you are halfway there! Let's explore the 5 most important qualifiers and debunk some of the myths about fostering in Wisconsin.

Foster parents are needed in every Wisconsin county.

Yes, there is a need in your county. No matter what county or town you live in, we need more loving homes in your area. As a statewide agency, we are able to license new homes throughout the state of Wisconsin. We never know what counties kids will come to us from so we must have as many homes as possible across the state so we can place children as quickly as possible. CCR currently has foster homes in 36 Wisconsin counties. All new CCR foster parents begin at level 2, (just like county foster care) except those transferring from another agency already licensed at a higher level.LGBT foster parents

Married, Single, Partnered, and LGBT foster parents are welcome and needed.

If you are in a relationship and living together hoping to become foster parents, your relationship must be healthy and stable. We prefer couples to be together/committed/married for at least 3 years prior to applying. By this time the honeymoon phase of a newer relationship is over and the early kinks, if any, have been worked out.

Stability is one of the many important things foster kids have been missing in their family and home life. Entering a foster home that can promote strong, healthy relationships is vital to a child's success during and post foster care.

If you are single, yes, you CAN be a single foster parent. However, there are a few more pieces to consider if you wish to foster with CCR. Single foster parents must have a dependable support system, family, or friends that can help when you are unavailable to your foster kids. school bus

Consistency and stability are key to a child's success. Foster parents are required to be available before and after school to provide a structured routine for foster kids. If you cannot be there, who will be your dependable backup person?

Foster parents must be financially stable and may not rely on the monthly foster care payment as income.

Let's talk about money. It is difficult for some people to ask about but it is so important to understand. First of all, there is NO cost to become a foster parent.

Secondly, foster parents get a monthly stipend to care for a child, it is based on a child's age and needs. Foster parents must be able to pay their bills on their own and may not use the monthly foster care stipend to help take care of bills. There is NOT a minimum salary or wage requirement. Basically, foster parents may not rely on the monthly stipend as income. It is designed to care for the foster child. In other words, don't foster for the money.

A flexible schedule is required. A stay-at-home parent is NOT.

All foster parents must have some day to day flexibility to meet the appointments and schedules of foster kids. Yes, foster parents can work and daycare is available for younger children (paid for by the state). However, rigid work schedules that do not allow for unplanned interruptions or scheduled appointments during business hours, do not work well with foster children. check out our office

Single, working foster parents, just like couples that are both working, must consider school schedules, breaks, and summer vacation. Not all children are appropriate to attend before and after school programs or daycare. What will your plan be for your foster kids in the summer and on breaks?

All CCR foster homes receive a weekly home visit. The visits last for about 45 minutes per child and are designed by your Case Manager to support you in all areas of fostering. Your foster kids will also receive a weekly visit, either at school or in your home. These visits take place Monday-Thursday during business hours. Your Case Manager will arrange a set schedule that works well for you both. single foster parent

Most children have court-ordered visits with their biological families. Foster parents are responsible for driving their foster kids to their visits. This could be weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly. Visits are supervised by the county and foster parents are not required to stay for the visit. Friends and family can help drive your kids if you are unavailable.

A small apartment or a large house, kids CAN share a bedroom.

Every foster home must have at least 2 bedrooms. It does not matter how small or big your house is, as long as it is safe and comfortable with enough space for everyone. Foster kids can share with each other or with your children, this is your decision. Bunk beds for kids

There are some rules to follow such as; no child over age 6 may share a room with a child of the opposite sex if unrelated. Also, each child must have at least 40 square feet of space, if you have a bedroom measuring at least 8x10 (80 sq. ft) that is ample space for two children. Bunk beds for kids are always a great use of space.

All foster parents must pass a background check.

You need not have a squeaky clean background to be a foster parent. Most misdemeanors will not affect your ability to qualify, nor will traffic violations. Any previous felonies will be reviewed and not all felonies will ban you from fostering so don't be afraid to explore if you have past arrests or have served some time. If you have a history you would like to discuss, our team is happy to speak with you in confidence.

Approximately 50 Wisconsinites contact us each month to inquire about becoming a foster parent. Most meet the basic qualifications right over the phone. If you are interested in learning more, please call us. Our advisor is happy to speak with you and has been a foster parent herself, she understands and remembers well what exploring foster care is all about.

 

 

WI Foster Parent Training – Diversity is Welcome

Foster parent training classes are required and critical to gaining the tools necessary to be a successful Wisconsin foster parent. Training is designed to be informative, engaging, and thought-provoking. Most importantly, our foster parent training teaches trauma-informed parenting skills. New CCR foster parents come from counties across Wisconsin with diverse backgrounds to learn and prepare themselves to welcome kids with trauma histories into their homes. Training is where the foster care journey begins to feel real.Ready to be a foster parent

Foster parent training is important, even if you have parented.

CCR offers new foster parent training opportunities 5-6 times each year. The curriculum allows for each prospective foster parent to participate at a level they are comfortable with. Sharing is encouraged, questions are welcome, and participation almost always increases as training continues, creating an open, honest learning environment for everyone. Because each class represents a diverse group, attendees quickly realize that learning from the experiences of others is just as important as learning from the class presenters.foster parent training video

A typical training consists of 10-12 people from counties all over the state of Wisconsin. Our most recent class came from the following counties:

"We weren't sure at first if we would have what it takes to foster. After speaking with Jane, she made us so comfortable, answered our questions and gave us so much information. It just felt right. "

Many cultures, lifestyles, family make-up, and experiences are represented in foster parent training.

Many prospective foster parents are married couples, and some are single foster parents. In addition, LGBT foster parents and previously retired foster parents who have decided to give fostering another go are in attendance. It is through this diversity that classroom engagement exists. If foster care requirements are met, CCR welcomes all adults over 25 years old to apply and begin the steps to become a foster parent.

Diversity among the group means we can serve a diverse population of kids.

This was a recent group; the diversity was fantastic:

"I grew up in foster care and was adopted. I feel like I know what they might be going through or at least I know how I felt when I was in their shoes." 

Most classes have similar characteristics and family structures, thus creating great dialog and participation among each prospective foster parent. However, if you are exploring becoming a foster parent, please know that one size does not fit all. No matter your background, race, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, culture, etc., CCR would love to speak with you about treatment level foster care and what it might look like for you and your family.

We welcome everyone to explore our foster care frequently asked questions page and find answers to most of the questions you are looking for. We then welcome your phone call or email to inquire further and get more details on fostering children with significant trauma.

Please call us at 800-799-0450

 

Can I be a Single Foster Parent?

Can You Be a Single Foster Parent in Wisconsin?

Yes, you can be a single foster parent.

And across Wisconsin, single men and women are doing incredible work helping kids heal from traumatic backgrounds. They provide stability, structure, and a safe place to land.

But there’s one reality that matters more than anything else if you're interested in getting a foster license with CCR.

Availability.

What Kids Need From Single Foster Parents

At CCR, we work with children and teens who have higher levels of need, trauma histories, behavioral challenges, and often sibling placements.

That means love and good intentions aren’t enough on their own.

foster homes for teens

To care for these kids successfully, you need:

That’s the standard, whether you’re single or part of a couple.

Being Single Isn’t the Barrier, Your Schedule Is

There’s a common misconception that CCR requires a stay-at-home parent.

That’s not true.

We have single foster parents and working households. What we do require is this:

When kids are home, a responsible adult needs to be available.

Because our kids need more than supervision, they need structure, consistency, and support throughout the day.

Before School, After School, and Everything In Between

This is where many single, working applicants need to pause and think it through.

So the question becomes simple:

Who is with the kids when you’re not?

Realistic Ways Single Foster Parents Make It Work

Single foster parents at CCR are successful when they have built-in flexibility.

That usually looks like:

It’s not about doing it alone, it’s about having the flexibility and the right people in place.

foster parents

Your Support System Is Not Optional

Every CCR foster parent, single or not, must have a dependable backup plan.

That means someone who can:

Because those moments will happen.

Appointments, school issues, emotional escalations, these are part of caring for kids with trauma. You won’t always be able to plan for them.

Why These Expectations Exist

We know this level of availability isn’t possible for everyone. And we understand that can be frustrating.

But the children we serve need more.

They need supervision. They need consistency. They need adults who can respond in real time, not hours later.

That’s what helps them stabilize. That’s what helps them heal.

Take the Next Step

If you’re considering becoming a foster parent and want to understand if your schedule and support system are a good fit, start with a conversation.

Call Jane. She will walk through it with you, honestly and clearly.

Learn more about qualifying to foster with us.

 

 

 

GET YOUR FOSTER LICENSE IN 100 DAYS! Homes for kids 10-18 are desperately needed.