How to Choose a Foster Care Agency in Wisconsin

Choosing the Right Foster Care Agency in Wisconsin

Becoming a foster parent starts with one simple step: asking questions.

And one of the most important questions is this:
Who is going to support you once a child is placed in your home?

Because that answer will shape your entire experience.

What to Consider Before Becoming a Foster Parent

If you’re thinking about becoming a Wisconsin foster parent, one of the first steps is understanding what kind of fostering is the right fit for your home.

Every foster family is different, and the children in care have a wide range of needs. Taking time to think through your preferences will help determine the type of placements and the level of support you’ll need throughout your journey.

What ages are you open to fostering?
Are you willing to care for sibling groups?
Are you open to children with trauma or behavioral needs?
Would you consider children with autism?

At CCR, we work with individuals and families living in counties across Wisconsin who want to foster children and teens with higher levels of need, including sibling groups and youth with trauma histories. We rarely need homes for babies and toddlers, unless they are part of sibling groups.

The Process Should Feel Clear, Not Complicated

Getting a foster care license in Wisconsin includes some core steps: background checks, home visits, references, training, and paperwork.

At CCR, most families complete the licensing process in about four months.

It’s not supposed to feel overwhelming. You should feel guided, prepared, and supported from the very beginning. If communication is slow or unclear early on, that usually doesn’t improve later.

When you contact CCR, your first conversation will be with Jane. She’ll put you at ease, answer your questions, and walk you through things you may not even know to ask.

Her goal is simple: to help you understand what fostering could look like for you and your family.

What Makes CCR Different

CCR is a treatment-level foster care agency. That means support isn’t occasional, it’s consistent and built in.

When you foster with CCR, you can expect:

Weekly, in-home visits at your kitchen table
Ongoing communication and quick response times
24/7 on-call support when you need us most
Experienced case managers with advanced training
A team that knows you and shows up

This level of support allows foster parents to stay committed, and helps children stay in one home where they can begin to heal.

Support Is Not Optional

Foster parenting is challenging. There’s no way around that.

Without consistent support, it becomes overwhelming. Placements disrupt. Kids move. Trauma builds.

That’s why CCR is structured the way it is.

We don’t step in occasionally, we stay involved, every week, sometimes every day, because that’s what it takes.

What It Feels Like to Foster With CCR

You should never feel like you’re doing this alone.

At CCR, you’re part of a team that shows up, follows through, and stays consistent, for you and for the kids in your home.

Because when foster parents feel supported, they keep going. And when they keep going, kids have the chance to stay, stabilize, and heal.

Take the First Step

If you’re thinking about becoming a foster parent, start by having a conversation with Jane.

You don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need the right support behind you from step one.

Learn more about fostering with CCR by exploring our website.

Or call and talk with Jane directly, she’ll answer your questions, and walk you through it, no pressure.

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.

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.

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.

How to Choose a Foster Care Agency

Let us help you explore how to become a foster parent in Wisconsin. When choosing a foster agency, the first thing to know is that it does not matter what county you reside in. The differences between agencies can be subtle at a glance, but when you learn the number one reason that makes CCR different from other agencies, the choice may be clear.

Choose a Wisconsin foster agency that keeps promises.

A team approach and promises kept are two reasons our families stay with CCR. 24/7 support is promised to all CCR families in all 60 Wisconsin counties that we serve. A friendly voice, not a recorded prompt, will answer your call during business hours. In addition, a Clinical Case Manager is always available to help in the evening or on the weekend. Each of our supervisors is also available to their team whenever needed. We promise outstanding support, and we are always available when our foster parents need us most.

One of the largest foster care agencies in Wisconsin.

CCR is one of the largest, most-respected foster agencies in Wisconsin. We currently have foster homes in 36 counties across Wisconsin and over 125 kids in care. Our foster parents can live in any of the 60 county locations we serve and receive round-the-clock support. CCR foster families are caring for kids in rural, urban, and suburban communities and receive weekly in-home visits by a highly experienced Clinical Case Manager. In fact, CCR is the only Wisconsin agency to provide weekly in-home support visits.

Becoming a foster parent requires asking the right questions.

A big factor in choosing the right agency depends on the age of the type of child you wish to help, their level of need, and what happens AFTER a child or sibling group is placed in your home. What will the agency do to support you and your foster children? Just because an agency is local in your home county does not mean that services will be plentiful and staff will be available.

What is the employee retention rate? How long do employees stay?
Will I get honest information and the history of kids placed in my home?
Will I know what a child's level of care is?
How are foster care placements decided?
Will I meet the children before accepting a placement?
What happens if there is an emergency after hours?
What type of services will be available to foster children?
How often will a caseworker visit my home?

Wisconsin foster parents deserve the promise of support services.

No empty promises here! We are very transparent about what foster parents should expect when they choose to license with us.

Honesty
Responsiveness
Communication
Dependability
Commitment

For 31 years, we have been providing our foster parents with outstanding support, above and beyond state requirements. Support services are why so many foster parents choose us and why they stay. The average CCR foster family fosters with us for a staggering 6.7 years! In the foster care world, that is impressive.

The first family to license with CCR back in 1996 is still fostering with us today! Dan and Colleen have been fostering teen girls for nearly 30 years. Why do they stay? Why don't they burn out quickly as so many foster parents do? We'll tell you.

Foster parents and foster kids need in-person support regularly.

County foster parents typically receive a monthly visit from their caseworker. Unfortunately, a lot can happen in a month. CCR foster parents know their Clinical Case Manager will visit every week and there will never be a revolving door of whom will visit. Employee retention is something we are incredibly proud of, and our average length of employment is 16+ years!

The in-home visits are designed to review the child's treatment plan, discuss challenges, get excited about the progress, discuss any weekly happenings, talk about behaviors, and much more. Case Managers spend each visit focusing on effectively supporting each family, including foster parents, biological or adopted kids, and most importantly, the foster children.

What do the foster parents need?
What must we address to help you effectively care for the kids?
How can the Case Manager help facilitate adjustments?
Are the goals for growth and healing being met?
Does the foster family feel supported?

Foster parents depend on experience and higher education.

Every CCR Clinical Case Manager must have a Master's degree in Social Work. CCR is the only Wisconsin Foster Care Agency with this employment requirement. Our case managers' education and level of experience are critical if we want to promote a healing environment for foster children. Visiting the kids regularly means the kids have another adult to trust and bond with. A qualified professional to help meet them where they are and take the necessary steps to allow for healing from trauma histories to happen.

Here is a testimonial from Kayleigh, who spent time with long-time foster parents Dan and Colleen.

My foster parents, Colleen and Dan (with CCR for nearly 30 years), taught me so much about myself, and I am forever thankful. My case manager, Ms. Wanda (at CCR for 24 years), almost always said something I didn’t like. LOL. But all of those things that she said helped me shape how I want to live the rest of my life. I knew that the best way to fulfill my future was to work through my past and what I went through. They all helped me do that! These three people are the main reasons I am where I am in life, and it was the greatest gift I could have ever been given.

Foster parents cannot do this work alone.

We hear from county and private agency foster parents regularly who are interested in transferring their license to CCR. The common theme is a lack of support and communication. This week, a foster mom licensed with her county requested the necessary paperwork to transfer. She and her husband have been foster parents for four years and continue to be frustrated. The transfer paperwork was sent out immediately; she returned it the same day, and the county had already received the transfer request. That is how quickly it can happen.

Support, communication, and responsiveness are what foster parents crave. We take great pride in the attention we give each of our families. Our dedicated staff is truly grateful for the fantastic families on board. We treat each one with respect, and we are humbled by their years of dedication to kids in need. Supporting our families is a joy and a privilege.

If you are interested in speaking with us to learn more, please contact us.

Providing Respite Care for Wisconsin Foster Parents

If you desire to help foster kids but cannot commit to full-time foster care, providing respite care might be the perfect way to get involved. Respite providers give CCR foster parents a break for a few hours, overnight, or a few days. Being a certified respite provider to one or two CCR families is a great way to get involved and help kids in Wisconsin foster care.

Respite care gives foster parents a much-needed break.

All parents need a break from time to time. Because of the higher emotional needs and behaviors of many kids in foster care, foster parents need an occasional break. Using a certified respite provider allows foster parents to take time for themselves. Foster parents can look forward to respite care as it is typically scheduled in advance, working with the availability of the respite provider. It is up to both parties to decide on days, times, and locations.

Using respite care regularly allows for dependable relationships to be formed. The children need consistent care because it will enable them to develop a healthy relationship with the provider and look forward to time spent together.

Foster children enjoy spending time with respite providers.

Respite care can be provided in the foster home or the respite home. Respite can be for a few hours or a weekend, whatever foster parents feel they need to recharge their batteries. While many respite providers plan outings to a park, community pool, movie theater, or local restaurant, others may prepare a child's favorite food or watch a new movie with popcorn. It is a beautiful opportunity for the kids to get a break from their foster parents and enjoy different interactions and surroundings.

Respite care provides safe interaction with another trusting adult.

As much as foster parents need a break from their kiddos, kids also need some time away from their foster parents. A consistent respite provider allows the kids to build relationships with another stable, trusted adult. Many foster children look forward to sleeping over at a respite home and enjoying a change from the everyday routines of foster family life. Much like biological kids enjoying a night with a babysitter, foster kids also want a change of scenery.

Respite providers are not required to have a designated bedroom for foster kids. Having kids sleep on the couch, futon, or inflatable mattress is okay if the child is comfortable and safe.

All CCR foster parents receive paid respite time.

CCR strongly supports self-care by generously giving all of our foster parents paid respite time. Each child placed in the home receives two monthly respite days and a one-week vacation annually. For example, if two foster children go to respite for the weekend, Saturday morning through Sunday late afternoon, CCR will pay the respite provider for two full days of respite for each child. If a respite provider cares for a child for an afternoon, CCR will pay the provider for a half-day respite.

CCR is currently paying a higher rate to respite providers that wish to help families caring for multiple teens.

Providing respite care is a great way to learn more about fostering.

When Tim and Karen first considered becoming foster parents, they could not meet the requirement of a flexible schedule. Both worked full-time and had very little flexibility with their employers. Fostering full-time wasn't compatible with their schedules. They were disappointed at first, but they were eager to learn more after learning that they could get involved in another significant way. They knew there was a need for more foster homes in Wisconsin but had never heard of respite care or what it meant for foster parents.

Ultimately the Wisconsin couple felt it was something that made sense for them. They wanted to develop relationships with foster kids and help those dedicating their lives to foster care. Within two short months, they were certified to provide respite care. Tim and Karen have been able to help a family near them with their two foster sons, ages 10 and 13. They say it is just the right amount of time to give each month, and they are happy to get to know the boys more each visit.