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.

What Wisconsin Foster Parents Should Expect

Why Parenting Foster Children Is Different – And Why That Matters

If you’re considering becoming a Wisconsin foster parent, you might imagine that parenting a foster child is much like parenting any other child, just with a bit more patience and lots of compassion. That's partly true. But it's critical to understand the many differences and how foster parenting often requires an entirely different mindset.

It isn’t just about providing a loving home; it’s about helping a child heal.

Wisconsin Foster Kids Have a Different Starting Point

Children in care with CCR have experienced early trauma, severe neglect, and/or abuse. They haven't had consistent, attuned caregiving that builds a child’s sense of safety, trust, and self-worth.

As a result, foster children often present as younger than their age, especially emotionally. For instance, a ten-year-old may seem like a six-year-old in terms of emotional regulation, or a teen may struggle with trust and boundaries in ways that seem more appropriate for a much younger child.

That’s not immaturity. That's not a kid being difficult. That’s survival.

Understanding Foster Kids - Development Through Attachment

Think for a moment about how babies learn to understand themselves and the world. A newborn doesn't know the difference between hunger, tiredness, or discomfort. All it knows is that something feels wrong. So, it cries.

In a healthy situation, a caregiver responds — checks the diaper, offers a bottle, gives a cuddle, and wraps the baby in a blanket. Over time, the baby begins to associate that uncomfortable feeling with the relief that comes from a responsive adult. This cycle, repeated thousands of times, teaches the child:

My needs matter.
Someone is coming to help me.
The world is a safe place.
I can make sense of my feelings.

This is the foundation of secure attachment and emotional development.

When That Foundation Is Missing

Now, imagine a child whose cries were met with yelling. Or were completely ignored. Or maybe sometimes helped, but other times they waited and waited for someone to come. Perhaps no one came at all. Or maybe another child — a sibling — tried to meet their needs, doing their best, but missing the mark.

This child learns a very different lesson:

My needs aren’t important.
The world is unpredictable.
The people I rely on might hurt me or not show up.
I need to protect myself at all costs.

These children often live in a state of heightened alert. They may seem overly independent, always trying to control situations or keep others at arm’s length — because in their experience, adults aren’t safe. They may resist comfort, struggle with transitions, or act out in confusing ways.

This isn't “bad behavior.” This is survival behavior.

Therapeutic Parenting: A Different Approach

Therapeutic parenting is about seeing beyond the behavior to the need underneath. It means responding not with consequences or punishment, but with connection, structure, and predictability — again and again and again.

It means recognizing that many foster children start from a very different place than their peers. Two children may be the same age, but their inner worlds — their expectations of others, their sense of safety — may be worlds apart.

As a foster parent, you are helping that child rewrite their internal story:

I am lovable and worthy.
Adults can be trusted.
I am safe now.

But it takes time. And it takes a lot of repetition. Sometimes, children will test your consistency, not because they’re being difficult, but because they need to see if you’ll still be there when things get hard. They will test you and push buttons to get a reaction to gauge your commitment.

It’s Not Easy, But It’s Worth It

Foster parenting isn’t just about offering a child a loving home. Sure that's part of it. More importantly, it’s about providing them a new model of what it means to be cared for — what it means to be safe. You are helping a child who may never have known what a genuine connection feels like to finally begin to trust again. No matter their age!

And while it may not look like traditional parenting, it is powerful parenting. It’s slow, patient, deeply intentional work. But it can be life-changing — for the child, and for you.

Thinking about fostering?
Fostering a child or siblings with CCR could be one of the most meaningful journeys you ever embark on. If you're feeling overwhelmed just thinking about it, talk with us. We will guide you and answer any questions you may have.

Most likely, you meet all the requirements to foster a child, you just don't know it. You probably have more patience than you know. And you definitely have a kind heart for fostering or you wouldn't be reading this blog!

Give yourself time to explore. When you're ready, we will guide you. We always need more foster parents for kids ages 2-18, especially siblings and teens.

Please contact us to learn more about CCR and the kids needing your help.

What to Really Expect as a Wisconsin Foster Parent?

Becoming a foster parent is one of the most compassionate and life-changing choices you can make. It’s a meaningful way to offer safety, love, and healing to a child or siblings in need. Being a CCR foster parent is a journey filled with both beauty and challenges, highs and lows. It can be unpredictable and deeply rewarding. Our team is here to walk with you every step of the way.

What to Really Expect as a Foster Parent: The Hard, the Honest, and the Beautiful

Being a foster parent is a journey filled with real challenges, emotional ups and downs, and unexpected moments—both messy and magical.

Setting realistic expectations is important if you’re considering opening your home to a child, youth, or siblings in foster care. Not picture-perfect ones. Not sugar-coated ones. But honest expectations grounded in both the hard truths and the beautiful rewards.

Here’s what you can really expect to experience as a CCR foster parent:

💥 Disruptions While Fostering Are Real

Let’s start with the honest side of things—because being prepared helps you handle them with grace.

Your routines will be shaken. That carefully balanced work/home schedule? It will need to bend (or break) to make room for therapy appointments, caseworker visits, biological visits, or simply helping a child settle in.
Meals might feel like chaos. Food insecurities are real and common. Don’t be surprised if food preferences change daily, or if mealtimes are a struggle. Some kids may hoard food out of fear, or even hide groceries in closets or under beds to feel assured food will be available.
Bathroom habits will require extra patience. You might be back to reminding someone to brush their teeth or managing accidents—even with older kids.
Sleep? What’s that? Fear, unfamiliar surroundings, or trauma responses can all interfere with a good night’s rest—for everyone.
Setbacks will come suddenly. Just when things seem to be going well, you might face unexpected regression in behavior, mood, or school performance.
Lying can be common. Many kids in care lie as a defense mechanism—not to be manipulative, but because they’ve learned not to feel safe telling the truth.
Your heart may break. These kids often carry stories heavier than any child should bear. But your heart? It will also heal—and grow stronger.

✨ The Beauty Will Break Through

Now, for the part that makes all the above worth it—those moments of pure, unfiltered beauty that remind you why you chose this path.

That moment they smile for real. When the walls start to come down and you see genuine joy instead of guarded expressions.
New friendships form. There’s pride when they tell you about a friend they made at school, often after struggling with social anxiety or fear of rejection.
They finally sleep through the night. And you breathe a sigh of relief, knowing they felt safe enough to rest.
Food becomes joy instead of fear. You’ll watch them try new foods, maybe even help cook. Stealing food from the pantry may subside because they are learning to trust that food is plentiful and available to them.
Breakthroughs in therapy. Maybe it’s a positive observation or emotion. A smile. A new coping skill. These moments are huge.
Progress at school. From improved grades to better focus, each step forward is a shared victory.
The communication barriers break down. You understand each other better. They begin to trust and start sharing. You stop guessing and start connecting.
They trust you. Slowly, and maybe silently, they begin to believe you’ll be there. That you mean what you say. That love doesn’t always leave and you aren't another adult that will disappoint them.
Healing happens. Not all at once, and not without setbacks—but it does happen. We see so much healing in our CCR foster homes. You’ll see it in how they laugh, play, ask questions, take risks, and begin to believe in themselves again.

Foster Parenting Is Not Perfect—But It’s Powerful

Foster parenting is both heavy and hopeful. It’s tear-streaked faces and belly laughs. It’s standing your ground and offering grace. It’s rebuilding trust where it was shattered—and finding, over time, that love truly does make a difference.

So no, this isn’t a smooth, glossy journey. But it is one of the most meaningful ways to change a child’s life—and your own.

If you can embrace the chaos alongside the healing, the setbacks alongside the progress, and the heartbreak alongside the hope—you’re exactly the kind of person a child in care needs!

Interested in fostering? Connect with us. Call us. We are always available to help you explore becoming a foster parent and walk with you through all of it.

Large Sibling Groups Struggle to Find Foster Parents

The number of sibling groups being referred to CCR continues to rise. Young siblings are entering Wisconsin foster care at alarming rates, primarily due to severe neglect. Sibling pairs and large groups are regularly placed in CCR foster homes in counties across Wisconsin. Most CCR foster families care for siblings or more than one child at a time. When their homes are full, we have no choice but to turn away referrals like a recent sibling group of three. Meet Martia, Jaylan, and Miya, siblings recently referred to CCR in hopes of finding a foster home to meet their elevated needs.

Sibling groups in foster care require more than bedroom space.

Wisconsinites familiar with CCR know that our qualifications to become foster parents focus heavily on flexible schedules. In other words, we need foster parents who can attend multiple weekly appointments and be available to kids when needed most, including after-school and summer breaks. Siblings like Martia, Jaylan, and Miya have trauma histories, require school support, and typically need additional outside services. Without day-to-day flexibility, caring for them and managing schedules would be difficult.

Martia recently celebrated her birthday. She is four years old and doing well in many areas, considering the neglectful circumstances she came from. Although she is not speaking as fluid as most children her age, she can express herself appropriately and tries her best to communicate effectively. She is a curious little girl who loves to please. She follows and mimics her older sister, Miya, who has been her mother figure for many years. Her attachment to Miya is not unusual with sibling groups when parents or caregivers have not been present or active in the home.

Martia sleeps well and has a healthy appetite. Although potty trained, she has accidents and wears a pull-up at night for occasional bed-wetting. It is reported that she will have tantrums lasting up to 30 minutes. Martia would benefit from socialization with other young children.

Keeping siblings together in foster care can be challenging.

11-year-old Jaylan is a typical boy in many ways. He loves video games and wants to buy a skateboard. He can be wise for his years and is very protective of his sisters. He has good insight and understands the needs of his sisters more than he should. Jaylan needs reminders to be a child, not a caretaker for his sisters. It causes much stress for him. He does not make friends easily and is working on being more social with his peers.

Jaylan spends much time alone, suffers from low self-esteem, and has been diagnosed with depression. He is reported to have problems with anger and tends to keep to himself. He has witnessed significant violence in his family and has been present during drug use and threatening situations. Although he is good at keeping himself occupied independently, he would do well in a family environment, offering healthy family group activities.

Jaylan is in therapy and a mentoring program at this time. He is in the 6th grade and performs satisfactory work at school. He struggles to complete homework and does not participate in class. He reads and writes below grade level, and math is increasingly difficult. Jaylan does not have any educational needs.

Foster children who have been neglected can have an array of regressive issues.

Miya is nine years old and described as creative and empathetic. Her brother describes her as the peacekeeper of the family. She is quiet and slow to open up, but her kindness is evident when she does. She tends to Martia's wants and needs and often puts her own needs aside.

Animals, music, and art are Miya's favorite things. She loves cats and hopes to have one someday. Miya does not like loud noises or being punished. She has witnessed family violence and gets frightened by yelling and loud voices. It is reported that Miya suffers from regressive issues, including bed-wetting (she wears Pull-Ups), using a teddy bear to comfort herself, and hiding her face when nervous or afraid. She worries about her younger sister and does not trust that caregivers will meet her needs.

Miya does not have any educational needs. She is currently enrolled in individual therapy.

We did not have a foster home for this sibling group.

Sadly, we did not have a foster home in the right location to accommodate all three kids so the referral was passed back to the county. We are truly desperate for more homes in every county location we serve. On average, we receive 45 monthly referrals from counties across the state. We have homes for less than 15% of the children.

Please get in touch with us to learn how to become a foster parent in Wisconsin and help kids like Miya, Jaylan, and Martia.

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

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.

Treatment Foster Care for 33 Years - Happy Anniversary!

Three decades ago, a Wisconsin man with a generous heart saw a desperate need for change within the Wisconsin foster care system. Working in social services and mental health, he knew first-hand that kids needed more than basic foster care. He saw the outcomes and patterns of kids in foster care and knew he could be an instrument of change. Kids required mental health services and opportunities to promote healing, and no one talked about it!

He had a vision for a new type of Wisconsin foster care.

He got in his car with a map, pen, and paper. He went door to door in rural Wisconsin, asking folks to help. He sat in their kitchens and talked about trauma over cups of coffee. He explained his vision. He explored his ideas with anyone that would sit with him. What is childhood trauma? What is it doing to our kids? What is his vision to combine foster care with mental health services? They listened.

It was a huge ask, but he knew if he successfully recruited just a few families together, they could quickly generate results and positive outcomes. They responded. Thirty-three years later, Community Care Resources is one of Wisconsin's largest and most highly respected treatment foster agencies.

Thousands of Wisconsin foster children have flourished.

Since 1989, thousands of kids have reunited with their families, many have found forever families through adoption, and so many have healthy connections and mentors to hold on to into adulthood. Most importantly, thousands of kids have healed because of the passion and dedication of hundreds of foster families and dozens of employees.

Within the agency, there are five supervisory positions. Each of the five has been with CCR for over 20 years! That dedication and leadership cannot be compared with any other Wisconsin agency. Their commitment to Community Care Resources runs deeper than any "job." This is family. This is home.

In social services, longevity is not promoted because it rarely exists. It is one of many things setting CCR apart from other foster agencies. Clinical Case Managers working in the field with foster families and children average an astounding 16 years with CCR. The common denominator is evident to all. Employment statistics like these don't just happen. They are nurtured. They are valued.

One of the building blocks set in place from the start back in 1989 was honest, transparent communication. That philosophy remains today. If foster families feel supported and heard, they will stay. The first family ever to license with CCR is still fostering teens! They have welcomed over 100 Wisconsin children into their Jefferson county home with open hearts. Their trust and belief in one man's vision over 30 years ago catapulted them on a life-long journey.

The dream of one man is sometimes all it takes.

There is no joking on this first day of April. Just a day and a blog space to publicly acknowledge a humble man that has helped so many. The entire CCR family congratulates Dan on an incredible 33 years of serving families and children. Your vision to combine mental health services with foster care has impacted countless lives.

Teen in Foster Care for 15 Years and Counting

Michael has been in Wisconsin foster care since age 18 months. At 16, he hopes to find a permanent placement with foster parents who will care for him until he turns 18. Michael has not had a relationship with his biological mother since he was removed from the home 15 years ago. He has lived with various individuals in four states, ranging from family members to non-relative caregivers. Unfortunately, he is unable to recount the number of homes he has lived in over the years. His story may encourage you to consider fostering a teen.

Wisconsin foster parents care for hundreds of teens like Michael.

The county foster care agency handling Michael's case has made contact with Michael's mother. She has indicated that she would like to care for Michael; however, she has three open petitions for her three youngest children due to substance abuse. All three of the children are in foster care. Mom has a total of seven children, none of which are in her care. She continues to struggle with substance abuse and has not attempted to contact Michael. When asked why she doesn't want contact with her son, she said, "there is no reason."

Michael has six half-siblings; however, he is in contact with just one half-sister currently living in another state. The agency has been supportive of Michael having telephone contact with her if he wishes. There is also one teacher located in another state that has kept in contact with Michael during his time in foster care.

Treatment and therapeutic services are essential for Wisconsin foster kids.

Mom's inability to provide necessary and basic care to Michael resulted in the initial removal from the home. Neglect is the number one reason kids are removed from their families. Michael's biological father has never returned agency phone calls or contacted Michael but seems aware of the agency's involvement.

Michael attends counseling weekly and is said to have a good relationship with his current therapist. Therapeutic foster care has been helpful to Michael as he struggles with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and is diagnosed with ADHD. Michael has admitted to being a victim of sexual abuse during a recent psychological evaluation. However, he would not provide details or information. The current therapist has concerns that Michael may struggle with attachment and relationships with others. This is not surprising due to his history of neglect, abuse, and abandonment by multiple adults, including his mother.

Doors are closed on many Wisconsin foster kids.

Michael has bounced around a lot while in foster care. Because of this, he has had a lot of doors closed on him. It is believed that the said door closings have not been due to Michael's behaviors or character, but because of the choices and situations of the adults giving upon him. He has not chided those who have let him down, including his mother. Michael has stated that he hopes his mom can get her act together, not so that he can reunite with her, but so that her younger children won't have to go through what he has.

Michael seems focused on moving forward in life and tries his best to not look back or wallow in self-pity. His wish is to be placed in a home that will accept him for who he is and allow him to get a job. He thinks it is a good time to earn money for himself. Michael has a good understanding of his struggles and behaviors because of his traumatic childhood experiences. He wants to be with a family that will help him build a future. Michael likes Wisconsin and is not interested in returning to any of the three states he has lived. Michael would love to play basketball in school and knows that with help, he can do better with his school work. He is a very competitive person and does not easily give up on things. He dreams of playing in the NBA but knows that his dream is a one in a million chance. If he doesn't make it to the NBA he is interested in welding or joining the military.

Foster care case managers are impressed with the perseverance of this young man.

Michael has never allowed the struggles of his family to stand in his way of keeping a positive attitude. He continues to look forward and hopes to find a family that is kind and stable. Michael is a dreamer and sees himself succeeding at whatever he takes on in the future. Workers who know Michael are astonished by his positivity and perseverance. All who have met him are confident he will be successful in life. In addition, all agree Michael would benefit greatly by finding a foster family that will stay with him after his time in foster care.

Are you interested in learning how to become a foster parent? We would love to speak with you. Contact us anytime.

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

Ready to be a Foster Parent

You have made the decision and you are ready to become a foster parent. How exciting! Or perhaps, how overwhelming!

There are many steps required to get a foster care license and you will want to have an experienced foster agency walking you through the process. An agency that is willing to explain the details, hold your hand, and guide with patience. Foster parent reviews are plentiful on social media, be sure to take advantage and read what people have to say. It is very important that you feel welcomed and appreciated during your very first inquiry. A key point to remember is: The first interaction you have with an agency will be very telling of how your overall experience will be when you are caring for foster children in your home. Here is what we mean by that:

When making your first call, you should expect to speak with someone immediately or get a return call promptly, within hours. Your inquiry should be met with gratitude and full transparency along with detailed answers to ALL of your questions. There are many major topics that should be talked about at length. If you are simply sent an application or told to attend a group orientation meeting, you may want to reconsider moving forward with that agency. If a foster agency doesn't have time for you when you call to learn more, chances are they won't have time for you when children are placed in your home and you need their support at 10 pm. The first interaction will be very telling of how you will be treated after getting a foster care license.

The first person you will speak with at CCR is a former foster mom.

Who better to explain the details than someone who has lived it. That is what we thought when we hired her! Speaking with someone with first-hand knowledge of foster parenting is a valuable first step. Speaking with someone who has cared for kids with trauma is invaluable. Our recruitment adviser isn't paid to talk you into fostering nor to convince you to join our family instead of another agency. Her job is to give you the facts about treatment foster care and what you can expect on your journey as a foster parent to kids with a variety of trauma.

We want you to be comfortable and feel welcomed during your first contact.

We understand that you might not know what to ask about fostering. No worries. A wide array of topics will be discussed to give you a detailed picture of fostering with us. Here are just a few of the areas we will discuss with you:

Treatment foster care; what it is, how is serves kids and families.
The children; ages, siblings, needs, placements...
Staff; who we are, our experience, dedication, locations...
Stipends; how you are reimbursed, medical coverage, appointments...
Steps to get a license; training; home visits, paperwork, timing...

Getting to know you is important.

During the first call, you will be asked some questions that allow our adviser to get a snapshot of you and what you might be interested in. The conversation is very casual and meant to provide all the information you need to move forward. In order to do that, we must ask you some basic questions to determine if you pre-qualify to be a treatment foster parent. The answers you provide to these questions give our adviser information to begin a good conversation with you about what fostering kids at the treatment level looks like. Your answers will begin to tell her if you meet the basic qualifications to be a foster parent to kids with significant trauma.

What is the age range you wish to foster?

Nearly 85% of the children referred to us by counties across Wisconsin are over the age of 5. Younger children are often part of a sibling group. If you are interested in siblings, school-age children or teens then the conversation continues. If your wish is to foster a baby, you may want to consider another agency.

We like our foster parents to have a preferred age range. For example, under 12 years old or teen girls or siblings of any age. This way we know in advance what type of placement to consider for your family.

A flexible schedule in non-negotiable when fostering treatment level children.

Do you have a flexible schedule?

Because of the wide range of needs of the children you will be caring for, it is imperative that you have a flexible schedule. Having availability before & after school as well as on school breaks and summer vacation will be a priority. It is important to remember that most foster children have come from unstable environments, usually lacking adequate parental supervision. It is important that foster parents provide consistent routines, a structured environment, and supervision. You or a spouse will be required to be available to your kids at all times.

Do you have children or other adults living in your home?

If you have children of your own living at home, rest assured we will have their best interests in mind when considering placements for your family. Therefore, there are many things to consider if you have your own children.

What are the ages and gender of your children?
Are there any characteristics that we should know about? Like ADHD, autism, speech delay, social delays, etc.
How many bedrooms do you have available for foster kids?
How many beds will be available?
Will kids be sharing a room?

These are important factors because we want to keep all kids in your home safe, r have other adults living with you, we will want to know that. Your children are your first priority and we want to make sure

Caring for foster children will demand much from you, it cannot be done alone.

Who will be your support system?

The best of parents cannot be in two places at the same time. There will be times when you will need to rely on others for help. Fostering children with significant trauma can come with a host of appointments and responsibilities. Being available to your kids 24/7 is not always possible and friends and family will be of great help during unforeseen circumstances.

It will be important to have a shortlist of people that will be supportive during your fostering journey. The day will come when you cannot get to school immediately for an urgent situation. You may have an appointment for yourself and need someone to be home to greet the kids after school. Times will arise and you must have people available to help. Having conversations with friends and family prior to becoming a foster parent is suggested. Make sure they know what you may be asking of them and be confident that you will be able to call on them with short notice.

Experience with trauma or exposure to what childhood trauma looks like is not a requirement, but it is helpful.

What do you know about childhood trauma?

Experience is certainly not necessary to become a foster parent but it is important that we ask you if you have experience with childhood trauma.

Do you know anyone who fosters?
Do you have professional or personal experience with kids living with trauma?
Do you know what trauma looks like?

Your answers to these questions provide us insight as to what should be discussed on the first phone call regarding trauma. If you grew up in foster care our conversation will be very different than topics we cover with someone who has no experience at all with trauma. One is not better or preferred over the other. It just determines how trauma is explained and how we introduce you to kids with trauma.

Trauma is ugly and can be devastating. Providing foster parents with proper education and the tools required to help children heal from trauma is one thing we do exceptionally well at CCR. Our foster parents must have the proper tools in their toolbox to be successful in providing a healing environment. We will provide foster care training throughout your fostering journey to enable you to care for kids properly and appropriately. A clinical caseworker will support you and the children in your care on a weekly basis to ensure that the child's needs are being met. We promise to be with you step by step.

The initial phone call had with our recruitment adviser should put you at ease and provide answers to all of your questions. Call with confidence knowing that you will get answers and be met with a welcoming smile over the phone line. We look forward to speaking with you.

800-799-0450 ask for Jane

Can Foster Parents Work Full Time?

Can Wisconsin foster parents work? Can single foster parents work? If you want to become a foster parent in Wisconsin and you are working full-time, there is good news. It is possible IF you meet the required flexibility and availability requirements.

Wisconsin foster parents can work but must be available and flexible.

Being a foster parent with CCR doesn't require being a stay-at-home mom or a stay-at-home dad. We embrace our working foster parents. We know how hard they work to take care of their families. What we require is flexibility. CCR foster parents must be available to their foster children when needed and have the flexibility to adjust their schedules accordingly.

When fostering school-age children and teens, having a flexible schedule before, during, and after school hours is important. CCR foster parents typically have 2-4 scheduled appointments each week. These required appointments take place between 8 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday. In addition, many unplanned interruptions arise when fostering.

Working foster parents need a support system.

Most everyone has helped a family member or friend at one time or another with an unexpected situation with kids. Living in Wisconsin, snow days and cold days can create havoc for working parents. There is little notice given that your workday needs quick adjusting. Will you skip work? Ask someone to fill in for the day? In the event of a school suspension, who will stay home with your foster son or daughter for a week?

Foster parents need a dependable support system in place, people to chip in and help when necessary. Having a family member, close friend, or neighbor supporting you on your foster care journey is very important to your success and the healing success of a child.

Think of all the possible scenarios because one or more will arise, and you will need a plan in place. One of the greatest foster care support services CCR offers is weekly in-home visits with every foster family. The visits are typically 45-50 minutes per foster child. If you have a sibling set or sibling group in your home, who will be home for 2-3 hours once a week to meet with the Case Worker? Biological family visits, unexpected disruptions, schedule changes, and school-related appointments will require your time during regular business hours.

Without a flexible work/home schedule, it will be tough to manage the demanding schedule.

Most non-foster youth can safely stay home alone; others can stay with family or hang out at a friend's house. What if your child suffers from the challenges of significant trauma? What if your 8-year-old child cannot stay with a neighbor because past trauma prevents them from being safe? What if your child's behaviors are too unpredictable for grandma or your best friend to manage? What if? These are the first two words of many questions we will ask if you work full-time and want to become a CCR foster parent for treatment-level kids. Flexibility is non-negotiable.

Often, prospective foster parents don't think of the possible situations that may arise. It is our job to ensure you understand the requirements and the responsibilities that will be upon you as a foster parent. Expect that it will be much different than caring for your own children and from what you have witnessed with nieces, nephews, and friends.

There have been instances over the years where prospective foster parents were not honest about their day-to-day schedule, thinking they could handle it and make it work, only to have it be discovered halfway through the licensing process. That is a difficult discovery for all involved; in those instances, a license was not issued. Be honest with yourself and CCR about the flexibility and stability you can offer foster children.

The process exists for the benefit of foster children, not because we want to exclude or punish working parents.

Before school and after school can be difficult for working foster parents if they keep a tight, demanding work schedule. Daycare is often an option, and having a friend or family member fill in or give occasional support is okay. We want to avoid having too many adults in a child's life. Going to the neighbor's house on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after school and having Grandma in the home 2-3 mornings a week to get the kids off to school may seem like a good idea, but it generally creates more chaos and confusion for the kids. Although adults provide supervision, it backfires because too many adults play the role of parents.

Adjusting your work schedule may be something to consider. We can help you explore your options.

We welcome a conversation with you about your schedule. We often have ideas and suggestions that might fit perfectly with your situation and allow you to create a schedule that will work well. Many families find that one spouse can cut back their hours to 25 or 30 hours a week without financially affecting the family. Remember, foster parents receive a payment each month that is designed to cover the expenses of caring for a child. You are not financially responsible for foster children. Find more Wisconsin foster care questions and answers here.

Can kids attend daycare, summer camps, or after-school programs?

On a case-by-case basis, yes, they can. Is it ideal for a child's treatment and healing process? No, it is not. It all circles back to creating an environment of consistency and stability. Introducing too many adults, programs, and settings can work against foster kids and impede their healing and progress. Keep in mind the 2-4 required weekly appointments. It can be stressful unless working foster parents have a very flexible schedule.

Flexible schedules provide optimal opportunities for healing.

If you are working full-time, give us a call. Let's talk through your schedule and flexibility. Click here for answers to the most frequently asked foster care questions. Let us help you decide. The support we provide begins on the first phone call.

Call now: 800-799-0450

3 Things to Know About Treatment Foster Care

When a child enters the Wisconsin foster care system, they are most often placed in a licensed county foster home unless placed in the home of a relative. If a child is part of a larger sibling group, they may or may not be placed in the same foster home as their siblings. Placement is dependent on available foster homes that would meet the needs of the child at the time a child enters foster care. Many county homes are not suited to care for more than one child or children with significant trauma. In part because the necessary training and support are not available to foster parents which equip them for the challenges that come with trauma. Quite often a child’s emotional, behavioral, and functional needs are not fully known upon the initial placement. It can sometimes take months for a county foster parent and/or placing foster agency to learn the depth of trauma, the significance of delays, and the full effects of a child’s abuse or neglect. When trauma is recognized, discussion of treatment foster care may begin.

When is Treatment Foster Care necessary?

After the needs of a child are determined and if the child is in need of additional care above what a county foster home can offer, the child may be referred to treatment foster agency like Community Care Resources. In the state of Wisconsin, over 20% of children in foster care are placed in treatment foster homes. Treatment foster care offers children with significant trauma a safe environment where healing can begin to take place and foster parents have the tools to properly care for children. Foster parents are highly trained in trauma-informed care and participate in the child’s individualized treatment plan. Characteristics of children in treatment foster care might include the following:

ADD/ADHD
Attachment Disorders
Cognitive Delays
Depression
Food/Eating Issues
Mental Health Issues
Self-Injurious
Sexual Awareness
Sleeping Issues
Medically Needy

Trauma Informed Care – If you want to become a foster parent for children with significant trauma, there are specific foster care qualifications that must be met. In addition to the 6-hour online training required by Wisconsin, there are 30 hours of classroom training required. The majority of Wisconsin foster agencies require this training within the first two years of getting a foster license. CCR requires this training to be complete PRIOR to issuing a foster care license. The focus of our 30-hour foundation training is trauma-informed care. Providing new foster parents with the tools to care for children with significant trauma is imperative to a successful placement. Some of the training topics covered are:

Placement/Treatment Planning
Supervision & Safety Plans
De-escalation Plans
Individualized Treatment Plans
Child Needs and Strengths
Myths & Facts of Trauma
Healthy Families
Planning for What If
School & Truancy

Visit our foster parent training calendar for upcoming training opportunities.

How are treatment foster parents supported?

Professional Support – The world of social work and child protective services is filled with high employee turnover. The opposite is true at Community Care Resources. Our Clinical Case Managers average an impressive 15 years of employment. Compare this to a national average of just over 2 years and the revolving doors in most foster care agencies and you will understand our dedication to foster parents, children, and families.

All CCR foster parents receive a weekly in-home visit by a Master's level clinician and have access to our 24/7 hotline. Each week, a Clinical Case Manager visits with foster parents to review the week's happenings, problem solve, find solutions and support the foster parent in any way needed. CCR provides the support foster parents ask for and need, NOT what we think our foster parents need. These in-home, personal visits are critical for foster parents to understand the behaviors and emotions of their foster child and provide an opportunity to express frustrations, ask questions, and get the help and support they deserve. Having a dedicated professional to lean on is why CCR foster parents are able to successfully help their foster children heal from significant trauma. Most foster children have struggled in previous placements, have bounced from house to house, been separated from siblings, or have struggled to build and maintain healthy relationships in the foster home. Most often, it is simply because foster parents lack trauma-informed care training and support services, NOT because the child is too difficult or unmanageable.

Treatment foster children require foster parents to have a flexible schedule

Matching children and foster families – The need for additional treatment foster homes in Wisconsin continues to grow at an alarming rate. As more and more children and sibling groups are referred to treatment care by their county agency of origin, there just aren’t enough homes to provide the necessary care and supervision. Over the past 20 years, it has been increasingly difficult to recruit treatment foster parents with flexible schedules. Foster parents must be available to their kids before and after school, on school breaks and over summer vacation. Many require additional supervision and require consistent weekly routines. Weekly visits and biological family visits are held during normal business hours. Medical appointments, therapy visits, continued education opportunities are also held on weekdays. For many Wisconsin households, this kind of availability isn’t possible, however, it is a foster parent requirement that CCR does not waive.

CCR staff does a thorough job of educating prospective foster parents on the rewards and challenges of the kids in our care. Some families we speak with will choose to license with their county to foster non-treatment kids not understanding that treatment level kids are prevalent in the county system. The odds that a county foster family will accept a “treatment level” child and not know it is high. The family will discover weeks or months into the placement that the child might be best served in treatment level care. An overwhelmed foster family will give written notice to have the child removed and the child bounces to yet another foster home compounding their trauma. Until the child is properly assessed, he or she will not receive the care and treatment they deserve and require to begin healing from their abuse and/or neglect. Sadly, many kids will continue to be separated from their siblings or remain in county foster care because their needs are never recognized or properly assessed.

The need for homes is great. The rewards of fostering are greater!

Foster parents are welcome to express their preferences when it comes to age, gender, behaviors, etc. CCR honors the requested preferences to help ensure successful placements. Families who choose to provide treatment care can have an enormous impact on the lives of children. They can watch children grow, heal, learn and thrive. Many can watch healing happen just by uniting siblings into one safe, healthy home. It takes a tremendous amount of patience, resilience, flexibility, humor, and love to be part of treatment foster care. CCR currently has foster families in over 30 Wisconsin counties, serving over 115 children. The need for additional foster homes is great. The rewards of being a foster parent are even greater! You can be part of the healing and offer a child a future of hope and promise. Learn how to become a foster parent in Wisconsin with CCR