If hundreds of Wisconsin foster kids are waiting for a loving foster home, why does getting a foster care license take so long? There are numerous steps to becoming a foster parent in Wisconsin. How long it takes often depends on how quickly applicants submit the required paperwork. Community Care Resources has a professional team to walk applicants through the licensing process promptly. Our staff will gently walk you through each step at a pace you are comfortable with.  

How to get a foster care license in Wisconsin.

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. The process is relatively easy but takes some time to complete. 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. At CCR, we have a well-organized, thorough licensing process that will prepare you to care for kids with trauma histories.

 Here are some basic qualifications to become a foster parent with CCR.

• Resident of Wisconsin
• 25 years or older. There is no age limit.
• A flexible schedule with availability to be at home when foster kids are not in school
• An extra bedroom, but sometimes kids can share bedrooms
• Sufficient income for the needs of your current household. Although there is no income requirement, applicants may not be on government-assisted housing or food stamps
• Stable, healthy relationships and a sound support system
• Favorable background results. 

What might prevent someone from getting a foster care license?

An initial phone conversation will confirm that the basic requirements are met for becoming a treatment foster parent with CCR. Initial paperwork is sent. All background and fingerprint paperwork is mailed to the applicant upon receipt of submitted forms. How quickly paperwork is completed determines how fast the licensing process moves. 

A background check, fingerprints, and references are the pieces of the licensing process that take the most time. If you have lived outside Wisconsin in the past five years, CCR will run background checks in the states where you have lived. Even if a background is squeaky clean, a background check and fingerprints are required. Also, if you have recently had a background check or prints completed for another reason, such as a job, we are still required to do it again per 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 past records. 

Foster parent interviews and home visits.

The first home visit is scheduled after favorable background results. The first visit is an opportunity to learn more about the licensing process, expectations, and details of the upcoming steps. Our licensing specialist will walk through the home for an initial assessment. There is no "perfect" foster home. We evaluate how your family utilizes your space and understand your home life and day-to-day functions. You will have plenty of opportunities to get your home ready and safe to welcome foster children.

Our goal is to get to know you and your family. In turn, we want you to discover what fostering may look like for your family and how life will be impacted by accepting foster children with trauma histories into your home.

As mentioned multiple times, there will be a lot of paperwork! Questionnaires, reference requests, and checklists will occur during the remaining home visits. Some things may seem personal or intrusive, but be assured that the state requires the questions, and all are in the best interests of the children you will potentially care for. CCR must demonstrate to the state of Wisconsin that candidates are qualified and stable with the abilities needed to care for children with trauma histories. Determining all of that takes time.

Some of the required documents will be:

• Valid Wisconsin driver's license
• Proof of auto insurance
• Proof of homeowner or renter insurance
• Proof of pet vaccinations
• A floor plan and fire escape plan
• A medical release from a primary care doctor
• Financial statements and pay stubs

Foster parent training is required.

Classroom training is required. There is no cost to attend foster parent training. CCR covers lodging, most meals, and all materials. New foster parents from around the state come together to prepare to care for children. Our staff does a great job preparing new foster parents to begin their foster parenting journey. In-person trainings and Zoom trainings are held monthly.

Foster parent home study.

Now, it is time for the licensing specialist to write your home study. It is a lengthy process and takes time to prepare. A license is issued shortly after submitting the home study to the state. The timing of your first placement will depend on what population of children you wish to help. We carefully match children with foster parents to ensure that kids have optimal success and healing opportunities.

Congratulations! You are a licensed CCR foster parent, and it took 3-4 months.

We hope the details shared here will help you understand why it takes 3 to 4 months to get a foster license with CCR. Again, the process is not complicated; it just takes time, and our staff is ready to get you started and hold your hand. 

Please don't hesitate to call or contact us anytime to get started. We would love to help you begin the best journey of your life.