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.

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.

boy with dog

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:

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.

 

Teen in Wisconsin Foster Care Struggles to Find a Home

David has been in and out of Wisconsin foster care for five years. He is 14 years old. He is currently placed with a cousin struggling to meet his needs. Here is a bit of David's story:

Wisconsin foster parents need a flexible schedule

David, a 14-year-old boy, needs a foster home with at least one parent available or a parent with a highly flexible schedule. His journey has been challenging, having been diagnosed with depression, ODD, and ADHD. While he is not currently on medication, he is open to an assessment, believing it could be beneficial and help him with his emotions.

For David, a foster home with younger children and pets, particularly dogs, would be ideal. He enjoys the company of younger children and finds pets to be naturally calming. A home with these elements would provide a supportive environment for him.

Siblings in foster care are often separated.

David has two sisters who live with their grandmother in. The siblings have phone contact. Next month, there is a planned visit with grandma and sisters. He is excited for the visit and hopes it is not cancelled.

Several months ago, he was moved to live with his cousin for the second time. She is requesting the teen be transferred to a licensed foster home. The cousin is a single woman, working full-time. She is struggling with David's disrespect and unwillingness to follow the rules, which she attributes to their closeness in age. Although he has done well overall, the cousin is unable to provide the proper parenting and supervision that David needs.

Foster kids often struggle in school.

Schoolwork has been a struggle for years. David is in 9th grade and has an IEP. His cousin reports that David wants to attend school and often tries to do the required homework but needs assistance to complete assignments on time.

David has attended multiple schools in the last several years, making it difficult to make friends or build relationships. He likes to give the impression that he is "tough". In addition, the boy has a history of not taking responsibility for his behaviors. Instead, he will deny his involvement and blame others for his behavior.

More Wisconsin foster parents are needed for kids with trauma histories

David's story is not unique. Witness to unhealthy relationships, alcohol abuse, lack of proper schooling, separation from his siblings, and an incarcerated parent all create trauma, which means David presents emotions and behaviors that require consistent parenting, patience, and time to build trusting relationships.

Kids like David can thrive when a foster family can provide stability and structure! We've seen it hundreds of times with our CCR foster families. They begin to heal when the constant moving from home to home stops.

CCR is desperate for more families to become foster parents for kids like David. Learn how to become a foster parent in Wisconsin by calling us today.

*We did not have a foster home available for David, so the referring county continued their search for a home in the right location to meet his needs.

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

 

Foster Parents Changed This Teens Life

I went into the Wisconsin foster care system at 14, and I was immediately deemed unplaceable due to my age. I wasn’t much trouble, never used drugs or drank alcohol. I was an A/B student and kept to myself. I did struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts, but given everything I’d been through, that wasn’t surprising.

Most foster parents prefer younger children.
The "system" tried to find me a home, but I spent two years in residential facilities that felt more like juvenile detention than healing environments. I wasn’t the “right age” that most foster families were looking for.
Eventually, Kay and James, a Wisconsin couple with grown children, agreed to meet me. They lived in Northeast Wisconsin. Kay stayed home, and James was nearing retirement. Our meeting went well, and they accepted the placement. I figured it would last a week. I had seen so many teens return to residential care because of failed placements.
 
But this was different.
 
They were kind. They were steady. And they showed me, day by day, what a healthy, loving family looks like. I was welcomed and included as a member of their family. 
 

Foster parents can change a teen's path to healing and acceptance.

On the outside, things were going well. I was doing great in school and started to build a circle of friends. But underneath it all, I was still fighting battles no one could see. The weight of my past, especially the pain of being abandoned by my mom, was heavy.

Some days, the thoughts would spiral, and I took things out on Kay. My emotions were erratic, and suicidal thoughts would creep in. I was in therapy, trying to work through it, but there were times when it all just felt like too much.

Through it all, Kay never wavered. She didn’t push or pressure me. She had no expectations except that I be myself. She gave me space when I needed it and support when I reached for it. She showed up, day after day, steady, patient, and unwavering.

Teens in foster care have dreams and goals.

I wouldn't be who I am today without them. Their YES changed the trajectory of my life. 
I wanted to be a teacher for as long as I could remember. They helped make my dream come true. James helped me with college applications and financial aid, and I moved me into the dorm the summer after graduation. Kay and I shopped till we dropped for dorm decor. She made sure my side of the dorm room felt like home. 
 
Now I'm 28, an elementary school educator, and married to a wonderful man. They came to our wedding and will be a part of our next chapter. We are expecting in the fall.
I thank God every day that He put us together.
 
I share my story because I know there are too many teens out there who feel invisible, waiting for someone to believe they're worth the effort. I want to inspire people who may think teens are too much trouble. Kay and James were not perfect, but I didn't need them to be. 
 
I needed them to show up and not give up. They did just that!
*Interested in learning how to become a foster parent with CCR. We would love to speak with you when you're ready!
All identifying information are altered to protect the privacy of children.

Wisconsin Boy Needs a Pre-Adopt Foster Home

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

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

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

AI 10 year old with dog

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

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

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

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

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

A pre-adopt foster family is desired

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

LaBron would thrive in a home where:

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

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

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

Why Foster Parents Need a Flexible Schedule

Why Having a Flexible Schedule Makes Foster Parenting Easier

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

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

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

Kids in Foster Care need a stable, structured home.

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

What are some behaviors of kids in foster care?

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

What does a flexible schedule look like?

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

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

Adult supervision is required

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

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

Can foster parents work from home?

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

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

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

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

Teens in Wisconsin Foster Care Feeling Unwanted

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

Teens in Wisconsin foster care struggle to find homes.

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

Back view portrait of a boy watching tv at home

Wisconsin teens often feel unwanted and out of place.

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

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

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

Jake will need the following from a foster family: 

Foster kids often visit with biological family

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

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

Teens in Wisconsin foster care want a chance to succeed.

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

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

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

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

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

 

Foster Parents Struggle to Meet Needs of Foster Child

"Anthony" is eight years old and is in foster care in Wisconsin. He has been in 2 foster homes. His mom is incarcerated, and his dad is not active. His older sister visits with him virtually once a week. Anthony's foster care journey is like so many others. Unstable, bouncing from home to home. We share these profiles, hoping kind-hearted people like you can better understand trauma and what kids in foster care need from foster parents to heal.

Vulnerable children need Wisconsin foster parents to commit.

support for abused children in foster care
Previous foster families said his behaviors were too much. They needed more support than their foster agencies could provide, and both families expressed Anthony's need for therapy services. Although both families shared many beautiful qualities, they could not give the boy what he needed. It should also be mentioned that both foster families worked full-time hours with little to no flexibility to meet Anthony's needs. Neither was receiving the necessary support to succeed. 
.

Foster parents need a foster agency that provides exceptional support.

Foster parents cannot do this work alone; children like Anthony need more than a loving family. They require more than basic parenting skills to heal from trauma. Foster parents must know how to care for kids with trauma histories. Proper training is essential. County agencies that refer kids to CCR trust we have the resources, training, support services, and staff to help kids like Anthony while supporting the families providing care.
CCR staff and families treat trauma. We help kids heal. Right now, we don't have enough foster homes.
 
Anthony has many beautiful qualities and characteristics. He also has numerous challenges that require more structure, consistency, and patience from foster parents.

He sleeps well, enjoys a variety of foods, and can be a charmer when not in fight-or-flight mode. He loves to play video games and enjoys playing in the bathtub. He likes to be helpful with simple meal prep and prefers to be in the company of adults. He misses his mother and asks about her frequently. He can visit with her virtually every week.

Foster children have wants and needs from foster parents.

foster care homes for kids
Former foster parents reported that Anthony does okay in school for the most part. However, both expressed concerns with social skills, listening, and creating disturbances but agreed that he is interested in learning. He continues to make progress with early reading and struggles with math concepts. He is not at grade level in any subject.
Anthony is a bright, intelligent, and funny boy. He has been diagnosed with ADHD, ODD, and PTSD. He often struggles with accepting directives and consequences. He continues to work on de-escalation and coping skills when triggered. He has shown progress in many areas.
Anthony reports wanting a family that won't yell and has too many rules. "I like video games, hugs, spy stuff, and chocolate." He especially likes ramen noodles and slushies and dislikes vegetables, smelly smoke, and mean people.
Anthony needs reminders to wait his turn and give others space. He often struggles when others get more attention than he does, which causes him to act out to gain attention. Providing structure, routines, and house rules will be beneficial for Anthony. 

CCR foster parents are prepared and supported to care for kids like Anthony.

Bouncing from foster home to foster home compounds a child's trauma. It isn't easy to heal and grow when moving between homes. CCR prepares foster parents to care for kids with trauma and heightened behaviors, and we provide many essential tools and resources to help kids like Anthony succeed. One of the many ways we support our families is by meeting with them weekly in their homes.
We ensure that services, therapies, and 24/7 support are in place.
worst foster care stories
 
We need loving homes with flexible schedules for kids like Anthony. A parent must be available for 2-3 weekly appointments and unplanned interruptions. Having a plan when kids are not in school is also essential. 
Sadly, we did not have the right foster home in the right location for Anthony. In cases like this, the referring county is left scrambling to find a foster home. 
Please contact us if you would like to learn more about becoming a foster parent with CCR.
 

How Long Does it Take to Get a Foster Care License

One of the most common questions future foster parents ask is: "How long does it take to get a foster license?" There are numerous steps to becoming a foster parent in Wisconsin, and how long it takes to obtain a foster license often depends on how quickly applicants submit the required paperwork.

CCR can issue a foster license in as little as 100 days, provided you submit the necessary documents promptly. Our process is designed to keep things moving while ensuring you feel prepared and supported every step of the way.   

Steps to getting a Wisconsin foster care license

While 100 days may sound fast, it’s still a journey with a lot of details along the way. But you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Our team walks with you, answers questions, and helps you stay on track. Every step of the licensing process brings you closer to opening your home to a child or siblings who need safety, stability, and love. 

CCR follows state regulations, which means there are always steps involved in getting a foster care license:

At some agencies, these steps can take 6-8 months or more. At CCR, we’ve refined the process to make it as seamless as possible for applicants, ensuring you're comfortable and confident with your decision to be a foster parent.  

Why does getting a foster license take so much time?

As expected, caring for someone else's children requires the state of Wisconsin to know you well. This can take time. There are references, background checks, home visits, and training for new foster parents. The state mandates most steps to become a foster parent, while CCR requires additional steps to ensure you're confident upon licensure. Our well-organized and thorough licensing process will prepare you to become a foster parent. 

foster parents

Once your application is received, background checks will be initiated. From there, our licensing specialists guide you step-by-step through paperwork, home visits, and training. When everything is complete, a home study is written and submitted to the state. That’s when your foster care license is issued.

Foster license home visits and interviews.

Our goal is to gain a deeper understanding of you and your family. We'll evaluate how your family uses your living space and understand your day-to-day life and functions. There is no such thing as a "perfect" foster home. There will be plenty of time to prepare your home and make it safe to welcome foster children.

a6

As mentioned, there will be paperwork, including questionnaires, reference requests, medical and financial forms, and checklists, during the home visits. Some of the necessary documents will be:

100 days to get a foster care license

Our team keeps the process organized, supportive, and moving forward. You won't need to worry about chasing us down to learn about next steps. From paperwork and background checks to training and home visits, every step is designed to prepare you to welcome a child or siblings with confidence.

We desperately need more homes across Wisconsin. If you've been considering fostering, now is the ideal time to take the first step. 

 

Wisconsin Foster Child Desperate for a Family

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

Hundreds of Wisconsin foster kids need loving homes.

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

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

Boy with foster mom

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

Wisconsin foster parents can provide a structured environment.

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

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

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

Respite care offers Arthur a visit with his biological siblings.

fostering a teenager

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

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

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

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

Many foster children require an Individual Education Plan (IEP)

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

Foster kids thrive with positive reinforcement.

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

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

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

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

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

 

Teen Finds His Passion While in Foster Care

If you are considering being a foster parent, you will love this story! A feel-good account of one young man's journey to find his passion. His foster parents encouraged and supported him to try new things and work hard. Every season was a new adventure. They had yet to learn how hard he would work and where it would lead. Nick proves that teens in foster care can heal, grow, and reach their goals!

Teens in foster care must be encouraged to explore activities.

Nick came to our family with his brother in February 2017 as a shy, timid boy. It seemed like he was always waiting for something bad to happen because that was his past; that's what he knew. It took him six months to look people in the eye when talking. When he got used to school, he asked us about sports, and we encouraged them. First, Nick played baseball, and after a couple of fly balls to the head, we decided that he should do something different.

Then came football, but a concussion sidelined him. Wrestling was next, and he liked it and was good. Finally, in 7th grade, he gave Track a try and discovered he had a talent for running. In 8th grade, he also ran Cross Country, won several races, and found his passion!

He continued with Track and Cross Country throughout High School, going to state his Junior year in both. He just missed standing on the podium with an 8th place finish in the mile that year in track and finished 18th at state in CC. During this time, he was still wrestling, winning matches, and having fun. Determined to make it to the podium in CC and Track his Senior Year, Nick put in close to 2,500 miles in the off-season. To say it paid off is an understatement.

Foster care can provide opportunities for self-discovery

Nick won Conference and returned to State in Cross Country, earning a 7th-place finish. Next up, he qualified for the Junior Olympics. 
Our family trip to College Station, Texas, to watch him run was amazing! Nick ran a brilliant race and placed 9th out of 93 17-18-year-old athletes from all over the United States.
During Nick's senior Year in Track, he was one of the top runners in the State, winning both Conference and Regionals in the 1600 and 3200-meter runs. At Sectionals, Nick again placed 1st in the 1600 and placed a close 2nd in the 3200. He broke his own school records in each event and holds five individual records at his High School.
Nick signed his letter of intent to run Cross Country and Track at UW Stout next year. Nick is proof that kids can heal. Teens in foster care can reach for their dreams like any other kid. It doesn’t matter where you come from as long as you put your mind to it.

Adopting from foster care has been a gift to my family.

My wife and I adopted Nick and his brother Richie in 2020, making us a family of 9 then. (Now we are 10) I encourage everyone to consider giving a teen in foster care a chance to reach for the stars!

AdoptionStitzer

CCR desperately needs more foster homes for teens. Please don't fear fostering teens; please don't believe fostering little kids will be easier to care for. Remember that challenging behaviors don’t necessarily begin during the teenage years. Many behaviors and emotions build over time, often starting in the early years of development. The good news is healing does happen. Teens like Nick can blossom and offer foster parents many unexpected rewards.
All identifying information are altered to protect the privacy of children.
GET YOUR FOSTER LICENSE IN 100 DAYS! Homes for kids 10-18 are desperately needed.