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.

Teens in Wisconsin Foster Care Feeling Unwanted

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

Teens in Wisconsin foster care struggle to find homes.

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

Wisconsin teens often feel unwanted and out of place.

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

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

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

Jake will need the following from a foster family:

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

Foster kids often visit with biological family

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

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

Teens in Wisconsin foster care want a chance to succeed.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Wisconsin Foster Child Desperate for a Family

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

Hundreds of Wisconsin foster kids need loving homes.

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

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

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

Wisconsin foster parents can provide a structured environment.

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

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

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

Respite care offers Arthur a visit with his biological siblings.

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

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

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

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

Many foster children require an Individual Education Plan (IEP)

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

Foster kids thrive with positive reinforcement.

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

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

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

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

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

Ask This Before Becoming a Foster Parent in Wisconsin

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

The first step to becoming a foster parent in Wisconsin.

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

Wisconsin Teen Told He Should Never Have Been Adopted

A Wisconsin teen is in search of a new foster family. Mitchell is 13 and in foster care again. He needs a foster home as soon as possible, where he can get back on track with the consistency/predictability of programming while knowing he is safe and wanted. Would you have considered helping Mitchell if you were a CCR foster parent?

Teen in foster care hoping for a new family

Mitchell's adoptive mother recently made contact with him, causing several issues and disrupting his most recent foster home placement. His mother is highly triggering to him. Mitchell is not interested in communicating with his mother at this time. Due to the upsetting events, the current foster family has submitted a 30-day removal request, and the county is searching for a new home.

His adoptive mother has repeatedly told Mitchell that he should never have been adopted and that he has destroyed her life. As a result, he is pretty dysregulated and anxious about finding a "new family" and inquires if every person who walks through the door will be his new mom or dad.

Mitchell is reactive to yelling/arguing; thus, he will do best with a calm foster family who is not quick to anger and can effectively use de-escalation tools. He is very good at testing limits. Much of his escalation occurs when providers get into power struggles with him. He likes to have control, so options are best for him, allowing him to make his own decisions.

Fostering teens requires patience and acceptance.

A new foster home should be able to provide Mitchell with consistent parenting skills and a structured, well-planned, scheduled home environment. He would do well in a house with younger children and a home with great flexibility to transport Mitchell to appointments and programs. In addition, he has expressed hope of finding a family with dogs or a farm. However, he has never experienced having a pet.

He craves attention and often overwhelms others to make people like him. Mitchell does well with peers but needs help with perceptions/what other kids think. He perseverates on comments other kids make, which is when behaviors show up.

He has been physically and verbally aggressive with his mother in the past. His mother preempts the aggression by telling him she does not want him anymore. His current foster family reports when Mitchell is dysregulated; he can be successfully redirected by offering a snack. He responds well to bear hugs and tight hand-holding. He does not like formal exercise. Using an outdoor swing has successfully allowed Mitchell to calm himself down.

Getting foster kids involved in sports helps in many ways.

Mitchell loves basketball in the driveway, which has also been a good coping activity. He also enjoys playing video games and riding his skateboard. In addition, he was able to participate in the school football program last fall. The structure, interaction with the other boys, and the presence of the coaching staff was an excellent experience for him.

Mitchell has diagnoses of Autistic Disorder, ADHD, Anxiety, Sensory Integration Disorder, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (likely caused by trauma). Cognitively, Mitchell functions close to his age level. However, he often struggles to express emotions effectively and tell you why he is upset. Mitchell has an ongoing psychiatrist and is prescribed medication.

A positive male influence, as well as calm personalities, would benefit Mitchell. He is currently attending afternoon therapy and working on how he perceives others and his interactions with peers and others around him. They have reported he is incredibly respectful and follows through on what is asked of him.

CCR is desperate for more foster parents wanting to help kids like Mitchell. Last month we received 22 teen referrals from counties across Wisconsin. Unfortunately, we did not have a home for any of them. Placing teens in loving homes is getting more and more difficult.

Please visit our how to qualify to become a foster parent page and learn about the requirements you need.

New Foster Parents Found for Sibling Group

So many foster parents in counties across Wisconsin are caring for sibling groups. More than 70% of foster children at CCR are in care with at least one sibling. We recently received a referral for a sibling group of three. After spending four weeks in a county foster home, their foster parents gave notice for removal stating the siblings were more than they could manage. After careful exploration and consideration, we placed all three children in a loving, flexible foster home that could meet their higher needs. Here is a bit of their history.

Foster parents need more training and support.

Dominick will be four years old in February. He and his two sisters suffer from prolonged neglect. As a result, each has heightened behaviors and emotions that prove too much for Basic Level Foster Parents. Not because the foster parents didn't have big hearts or best intentions but rather because they were not equipped with the necessary training or support. To successfully care for children with severe trauma, foster parents need more. Likewise, to heal and grow, foster kids need more.

Caring for three kids under age 6 with heightened behaviors is challenging, even for the most seasoned foster parents. Trauma-informed parenting is essential to helping kids heal and promoting successful outcomes. Unfortunately, even the best foster parents can struggle to manage the behaviors and emotions of young children without the necessary training and support services.

The challenge is TRAUMA. In Dominick's case, more than basic parenting skills and minimal support from an agency was needed.

Why must foster parents meet flexibility requirements?

Dominick and his sisters, Mariah, 2, and Marissa, 6, without a doubt, needed foster parents who would utilize trauma-informed parenting skills while readily available to meet their higher needs. In addition, a successful foster home would require a parent available at all times, as daycare was unsuccessful in the previous placement.

He and his sisters were removed from the home after Mariah suffered significant burns on her stomach and chest from the kitchen oven. Mom was home when the incident occurred. She has a history of drug and alcohol abuse and has an on-again, off-again relationship with Mariah's father. Her parental rights have been terminated for six older children.

At nearly four, Dominick is not potty trained, is speech delayed, and struggles with anger, heightened emotions, and behaviors. In addition, he struggles to play or interact appropriately with his sisters,

Dominick went to daycare with Mariah 3 days a week. However, the two were separated due to Dominick's aggressive behavior toward his sister. The staff contacted the foster mom several times concerning his behavior and reported that most days were spent redirecting or separating Dominick from other children.

Trauma is present in what may appear to be normal sibling rivalry.

The previous foster mom reported that Dominick has difficulty sleeping at night and wakes others in the house with screaming and wall kicking. In addition, he and his older sister fight for attention constantly. Hitting, kicking, biting, and pushing were common occurrences, and increased supervision was required when the children were in the same room.

He communicates his needs and wants somewhat effectively and figures out quickly how things work. He requires direct, line-of-sight supervision and 1:1 attention, which he does well with. He can count to 5 and knows some of his colors. He is easily triggered when he does not get the attention he seeks. On the other hand, he can be a very sweet, affectionate boy.

It was recommended that Dominick be placed in a new foster home without pets as he had taken his frustrations out on the family dog several times, but he was never hurt. In addition, it was noted that Dominick must be separated from his sisters when dressing due to the use of inappropriate language in the presence of his sisters.

Attention-seeking behaviors are commonplace.

Dominick loves music, which helps keep him focused and calm during diaper changes, teeth brushing, and bathing. He loves putting on his shoes and rides very well in his car seat, if not within reach of Marissa. He washes his hands well and will often help clear his place after meals. He does well with positive affirmations and loves a loud "great job." However, he is easily upset if his sisters get positive attention and will push Mariah or throw toys or objects at both girls.

The previous foster mom stated the kids could grow and heal if they are in the right environment and get needed services. However, a 30-day notice was given by the family because the three kids together were too much to handle. The foster mom worked three days a week, and her husband worked Monday-Friday, often returning home at 6 pm. Along with their biological children, 9 and 12, managing everybody was more than they anticipated.

Kids in foster care can thrive if given the necessary services and support.

There has been a noticeable change in the siblings in the six weeks spent in their current CCR foster home. Most notably, Dominick responds very well to being at home with their foster mom vs. going to daycare. The 1:1 attention and heightened supervision needed made it difficult for him to succeed at daycare. It is not uncommon for kids with significant trauma to struggle in a daycare environment.

Mealtime continues to be a struggle, particularly for Marissa and Dominick, but the kids are trying more foods and learning about healthy eating. Bedtime and bath routines are very lengthy but overall successful. Meltdowns are still common with Mariah and Dominick but using Trauma-Informed parenting tools helps, as well as the 24/7 support of their Clinical Case Manager.

All three children visit with their mom once per week. Mariah also visits with her father. In addition, the assigned CCR Clinical Case Manager visits the home each week for approximately 2.5 hours. Weekly support visits are provided to all CCR foster families.

"There is a lot of history there that needs to be unpacked and explored." noted their previous foster mom. "Dominick's violent tendencies can be frightening, but at the same time, he is a loveable little boy."

This sibling group is the second placement for the CCR foster family. They do not have other children living at home or pets, which seems helpful to all three kids. The foster mom works part-time, two evenings each week, and her husband works full-time days, arriving home by 4:30. They are supported by friends and local family and are taking things one day at a time with the kids. Both are hopeful that all three kids will continue to thrive in their home.

Understanding trauma and using trauma-informed parenting are crucial to helping kids heal. Therefore, all CCR foster parents are trained to use trauma-informed tools and receive great support from our highly trained staff. As a result, kids like Dominick and his sisters can heal with proper treatment. Together, our staff and foster parents have witnessed hundreds of kids with significant trauma heal and grow in our 33 years of providing treatment foster care.

Can I Be a Foster Parent?

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

Anyone can apply to be a foster parent.

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

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

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

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

Foster parents come from a variety of backgrounds.

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

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

Kids or no kids either is okay.

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

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

Criminal background or problematic past.

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

Renting vs. owning a home.

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

Family pets and farm animals.

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

Being financially stable.

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

Personal experiences

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

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

Wisconsin Foster Parent Learns About Trauma from 5-year-old

I wanted to become a foster parent for as long as I can remember. My dream was to foster a younger child under the age of ten. I am a single foster parent with no children of my own, so I safely assumed fostering would come with many challenges. I didn't realize how important it would be to have a team behind me—a dedicated team of professionals with many years of experience working with foster children. Until I received a lengthy email on the first day of school, I also had no idea what I would need from my child's teacher.

Being a foster parent will bring challenges and rewards.

I honestly did not know how much kids were hurting and how many disappointments most had. The day I called CCR to get information about becoming a foster parent was the first I heard about childhood trauma and trauma-informed care. They explained the long-term effects of neglect and abuse on younger children and what that can look like for foster parents. I gained insight into my strengths and how my skills and personal experiences might contribute to helping children heal. I learned that love alone would not be enough, and I would struggle to succeed without proper support.

I became a foster parent and got my first placement quickly.

I didn't know how long it might take to get a call, and I worried if I was ready to take on the responsibility of parenting someone else's child. Self-doubt took over. Although my case manager said my feelings were "normal," I questioned myself. The call came much sooner than I anticipated!

Jaydeen was a tiny 5-year-old that came to my home wide-eyed and full of energy. Lots of energy! Without a doubt, it wasn't always positive energy. The first few days, okay months, were a challenge. Jaydeen lacked any semblance of structure. She struggled to listen, and there were no boundaries with play, mealtime, or bedtime. It was a lot to witness initially, and I immediately depended on my case manager and Jaydeen's teacher to reassure me.

My foster child's first day of school was filled with challenges.

I drove Jaydeen to school with extreme trepidation and nearly cried when I left her. We had been together for just a few days. I wondered if the teacher could handle her with the other children in the classroom. Jaydeen struggled in all the ways CCR told me a child her age might.

In addition to living with me, a stranger, Jaydeen, had been torn from family, friends, and school. I prayed her teacher would have a successful first day with her. I didn't anticipate the trauma-informed care principles her teacher would apply on day one. I received an email detailing Jaydeen's first day; it was insightful and gave me much hope.

Good evening; I wanted to give you an idea of how Jaydeen's day went.

When Jaydeen came to school, she did a great job lining up and following the class into school. When we get into school, frog stickers are on the floor the students stand on while waiting to use the bathroom. Jaydeen was having trouble standing on the frog and began running down the hallway. It escalated when I asked her to stop, and she kept running. After using the bathroom, students hung up their items, and Jaydeen did this beautifully.

Class begins with circle time. Jaydeen did not sit in the circle but instead played at a table with some manipulatives. I put them out for her in advance, anticipating that sitting still on her first day may be challenging. (I've seen this before) Unfortunately, during our circle time, she began playing in all centers and throwing toys at us to get our attention. We continued with circle time, ignoring the behavior, and she stopped. Her behavior adjustment was very encouraging.

Ignoring negative behaviors worked well at times.

During playtime, Jaydeen ran around the room and screamed on and off very loudly. She knocked kids' toys over and watched them react. When I approached her, she ran away. We gently asked her to stop and explained that it was not safe, and she calmed down a bit. When Jaydeen is NOT getting a reaction or attention, she will stop some negative behavior.

I had another adult in my room, and she asked Jaydeen to play a game. She settled down for about 10 minutes and played a few games in the quiet area. After that, she played calmly with a few of the other students. She was enjoying her playtime. The adult played with her in another center, but she started hitting her. I tried to engage her in more calming activities, but that wasn't easy. She did manage to work nicely in the art center for a brief time with me.

The day was long, but there were many positive behaviors.

During clean-up time, Jaydeen took the timer and ran out the door down the hallway. She came back and said, "I hid the timer." I didn't react and said it was time to clean up and go home. Jaydeen returned to the room with the timer and helped clean up the classroom. She got ready to go and lined up nicely with the other kids. She waited quietly and patiently for you to pick her up.

The safety of all children is paramount.

I know this is new to her, and you and I will continue to use tools to encourage positive behavior. However, please understand that the safety of all children is paramount. I am hopeful that she will get into a routine with consistency and time.

I hope this email isn't too overwhelming. Feel free to let me know if I can help in any way.

WOW! WOW! Her first day at a new school brought out so many behaviors. More than I had witnessed at home. These are the things that CCR taught in the foster parent training. Teachers and seasoned foster parents expect actions like these from kids with significant trauma, especially severely neglected children. Jaydeen's teacher and my case manager saw it from day one. I am so blessed that both women are part of my team on my foster parenting journey.

Her teacher did everything right!

What I appreciate most is that her teacher looked for positive ways to redirect Jaydeen. Also, trauma-informed care practices allowed many positive outcomes throughout the school day. Most importantly, she continued with patience and encouragement. I can't imagine how hard it must be to have a disruptive student in the classroom.

Several weeks have passed, and Jaydeen is making progress daily at home and school. Her teacher communicates with me regularly so that we are both on the same page. Trauma is ugly. Trauma is real. Most importantly, I truly believe that kids can heal from trauma!

Please get in touch with CCR or call anytime. The staff will help anyone explore how to become a foster parent. 800-799-0450

Wisconsin Foster Parents Celebrate with Trans Youth

Wisconsin foster parents witness amazing transformations with their kids. Foster youth can enter the home one way, do a 180 and leave a completely different way. Not always, but quite often. So much can happen for youth if placed in the right foster home with the right foster parents. Confidence builds. Grades go up. Friends are made. Diplomas are earned. College scholarships are given. For Chase, ALL of the above happened. In less than eight months, the life of this fantastic young man changed dramatically. Read his story in his own words.

Wisconsin foster parents welcome their first foster youth.

I got placed at Rick and Dan's house in November 2021. I was coming from a rough home up north. I was nervous and worried about how they would react to me and if they were going to judge me, but they did the exact opposite of that. I walked into their house, shy and nervous. I remember sitting at the kitchen table with Dan standing by the kitchen and my social worker right next to me speaking for me. I couldn't even get myself to look at Dan, let alone talk to him.

All I knew was that I was a 17-year-old Transgender male with severe mental health issues. I was moving to a brand new town and going into a new foster home, not knowing what to expect. This was going to be my 9th foster home and hopefully my last. I didn't want to get my hopes up and be let down. I remember my social worker leaving about an hour later, leaving me sitting there by myself, scared and 5 hours away from the town I grew up. She left me with two adult men and a little boy. I had no idea what I was getting into. I entered that home prepared for them to give up on me as every other foster home had.

Foster kids crave and need support and acceptance.

Dan and Rick are two of the most supportive people I have been with. They are supportive, accepting, understanding, and loving. I can't say we have perfect father-son relationships. We have arguments, and we disagree sometimes, but we talk about them and work through the issues instead of giving up on each other.

When I am having a bad day at school, I will text them in our group chat, and they make me smile or remind me that I can get through it. When I have flashbacks because of my trauma, they will sit with me and make sure I am okay and safely get out of the flashback.

They support me and my decisions with transitioning to become my true self. They help me with school and doing homework. There are times that Dan has sat with me at the kitchen table for hours, working with me to understand my math homework. He is so patient with me.

Roughly 10% of foster youth go on to college.

I am going to college because they had faith in me and helped me get to the point where I am graduating and going off to college in the fall. I will be staying with them while I work on getting my associate's degree at UW Baraboo. When I move down to Platteville to get my master's degree in Behavioral Health, I will live in my own apartment, but I will still come up for holidays and breaks. Even though I have only been with them for a little over eight months, they are my biggest blessings. They filled the empty space I had in my heart. I never really got the chance to have a family, and they gave me that.

Here I am, part of their family. I took their last name, and they are my dads and my little brother. I couldn't be more grateful for them.

AND what Chase did not tell everyone is that he was awarded a $16,000 college scholarship!!!

CCR foster parents continue to be there for ALL youth.

As a treatment foster care agency, we strive to place youth with a family we feel has the best opportunity for success. Growth and healing is our focus. The CCR staff could not be more proud of Rick and Dan and the love and acceptance they have shown Chase. We always say that "meeting kids where they are at" is so important when being a foster parent. These men did that and so much more!

Shocking statistics for LGBTQ+ kids in foster care.

LGBTQ+ youth enter foster care for reasons like other children and youth. Their birth families often cannot provide a safe, stable, and nurturing home. In some cases, families reject, neglect, or abuse young people when they learn that they identify as LGBTQ+.

LGBTQ+ youth are overrepresented in foster care, even though they are likely to be underreported because they risk harassment and abuse if their LGBTQ+ identity is disclosed. Studies have found that about 30 percent of youth in foster care identify as LGBTQ+ and 5 percent as transgender, compared to 10 percent and 1 percent of youth not in foster care.

Unfortunately, many LGBTQ+ youth continue to experience verbal harassment or physical violence after they are placed in a foster home due to conflicts related to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Chase was placed in EIGHT FOSTER HOMES before landing safely with Dan and Rick. Imagine the homes and the struggle to be accepted, loved, and welcomed.

If you or anyone you know is interested to become a foster parent, please contact us. We can't wait to talk with you.