There are numerous steps to becoming a foster parent in Wisconsin. How long it takes to get a foster license often depends on how quickly applicants submit the required paperwork. CCR has a professional team to gently walk you through each step at a pace you are comfortable with.
As expected, caring for someone else's children requires the state of Wisconsin to know you well. As a licensing agency, CCR must follow all state licensing mandates. This can take time. There are references, background checks, home visits, and new foster parent training. The state mandates most steps to become a foster parent, and CCR requires others. Our well-organized, thorough licensing process will prepare you to be a foster parent.
Background checks and fingerprints are required after the initial application is reviewed. Even if you have recently undergone a background check or had your fingerprints taken for another reason, we still need to perform these checks again according to state requirements.
If there is a misdemeanor or felony in an applicant's past, that does not automatically disqualify someone from being a foster parent. We speak openly with all applicants about any concerns or records.
The first home visit is scheduled after we receive favorable background results. This is an excellent chance to learn more about the licensing process, what to expect, and the details of upcoming steps. Our licensing specialist will walk through your home for an initial assessment.
Our goal is to understand you and your family better. 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.
As mentioned, there will be paperwork, including questionnaires, reference requests, medical and financial forms, and checklists during the remaining home visits. Some of the necessary documents will be:
New foster parents from around the state attend classroom training to prepare to care for children with trauma histories. Our staff does an excellent job preparing new foster parents to begin their foster parenting journey. Monthly in-person and Zoom trainings are held for the new foster parents.
The licensing specialist will write your home study after completing all the licensing steps. A license will be issued after submitting the home study to the state. The timing of your first placement will depend on the specific population of children you wish to help and the county in which you reside. We carefully match children with foster parents to ensure kids and youth have the best chance for success and healing.
Please get in touch with us anytime to take the first step towards getting a foster license. We would love to help you begin the best journey of your life.