08/18/2020
How do I become a foster parent?
Counties, tribes and private agencies license foster parents in Wisconsin.
• To learn about becoming a licensed foster parent contact the foster care coordinator in the county you live in.
• If you live in Milwaukee County, go to Foster Care in Milwaukee County for more information.
• To learn about becoming a licensed foster parent through a private Child Placing Agency, view the Child Placing Agency Directory for more information.
• To learn about becoming a tribal foster parent, contact the tribal foster care coordinator for your tribe.
The foster care coordinator will give you more information about becoming a foster parent with their agency, such as:
• licensing requirements, policies, and standards
• what to expect as a foster parent
• the foster parent application for their agency
During the application process, you will fill out paperwork and meet with social workers who will license your home.
Are there requirements to become a foster parent?
Successful foster parents come from a variety of backgrounds.
Foster parents are:
• all different ages
• races
• income levels
• occupations
• single or married
• own their own homes or rent apartments
• work in or outside of their homes
• have their own children, or are caring for children for the first time
But, foster parents have two things in common: they want to help children, and they have the ability to roll with the punches. Most importantly, foster families need to provide safe, stable and caring homes for children.
To become a foster parent, you must meet all of the following:
• Be 21 years of age or older
• Be a responsible adult
• Completion of a criminal background check including:
o review of law violations
o other background information as required
• Your home must meet all physical environment requirements
There is no minimum income requirement for foster parents, as long as they can take care of family expenses outside of the reimbursement received for fostering.
Do I have to provide medical insurance for foster children placed in my home?
No, foster parents do not pay any of a child’s medical expenses, other than over-the-counter medicines and supplies. Each child in foster care has BadgerCare Plus covering their medical, dental, and mental health care needs. Foster parents should talk with their foster care coordinator about medical costs a foster child may have.
Are there training requirements for foster parents?
Training is necessary to prepare foster parents and help them to continue to develop as a foster parent. Being a successful foster parent means continuing to learn through:
• classes and other training methods
• reading books or magazines
• talking with other foster parents
• continually developing new skills
Each foster parent is required to complete training in relation to their Level of Care certification. Training requirements fall into three categories:
• Pre-placement
• Initial licensing
• Ongoing
Will I be reimbursed for providing care for a foster child?
All licensed foster parents receive a foster care payment to reimburse for the care of a foster child, called the Uniform Foster Care Rate. The foster care licensing agency will provide foster parents with a copy of the brochure explaining the Uniform Foster Care Rate, reimbursement amounts, clothing allowances, and how to appeal the foster care rate.
• Understanding the Uniform Foster Care Rate in English
• Understanding the Uniform Foster Care Rate in Hmong
• Understanding the Uniform Foster Care Rate in Spanish
Do I have to provide medical insurance for foster children placed in my home?
• No, foster parents do not pay any of a child’s medical expenses, other than over-the-counter medicines and supplies. Each child in foster care has BadgerCare Plus covering their medical, dental, and mental health care needs. Foster parents should talk with their foster care coordinator about medical costs a foster child may have.
Do I have to stay at home to become a foster parent?
• No, many foster parents work outside of the home. Foster parents should discuss with their licensing agency what options may be available to assist with child care costs.
Will I work with and communicate closely with Birth Parents, other Foster Parents, Social Workers and other team supports?
• Yes, all of the above