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1. Who can become a Foster Parent?

The Department of Children and Family Services maintains several requirements that must be met by persons interested in the foster care program:

• You must be 21 years of age. Age requirements are flexible as long as your health, energy and desire are appropriate.
• Caregivers must provide proof of physical health and insurance. (Foster children are provided with health insurance through Medical Assistance.)
• You must have enough income to financially support your own family without relying on the foster child’s care payment. The care payment is designed to cover the essentials of room and board for the foster child.
• You must be willing to give us permission to check social service records and conduct a criminal record check.
• Minimal personal, safety (environmental and fire) and space requirements are required by law (safe home, adequate meals, clothing and a separate bed, though not necessarily a separate room).
• For working parents, appropriate childcare arrangements must be made by the foster parents. Foster parents can access the state's daycare assistance so that daycare costs are minimal or nothing.
• The home must have a working telephone.
• The foster family must have access to transportation and be willing to provide the necessary transportation to meet the needs of the foster child.

Beyond these technical licensing requirements, persons considering becoming foster parents should also ask themselves the following:

• Do you have the desire to open your heart and home to a child in need, even if that child has a troubled background?
• Could you help that child feel a sense of belonging in your home even though the stay is only temporary?
• Are you confident about your parenting skills? Are you able to set clear limits, be consistent and adjust your parenting style to meet a child’s individual needs?
• Are you emotionally able to tolerate some failures or only small successes?
• Could you maintain a positive attitude toward birth parents even though the child may be experiencing problems because of their parents' actions?
• Could you love a child with all your heart and then let go?

2. How do I become a Foster Parent?

Because of the important, complex role foster parents play, the Division of Children and Family Services utilizes Community Impact Foster Care Program to carefully assess all applicants. It also provides the opportunity for prospective foster parents to assess themselves before they accept the role of foster parent. 

You may want to call the Community Impact Foster Care Program at 262-654-1004 to obtain information brochures and discuss your questions and concerns with a Foster Care Program specialist. 

If your family wishes to move forward, a Foster Care Program specialist will come to your home to acquaint you with the process and explain the forms and training you will be asked to complete. The Foster Care Program specialist will schedule a home study/visit(s) with each prospective foster family to determine whether state licensing requirements are met. Part of the state requirements includes a criminal background check, personal references, proof of physical health and insurance. The process takes from 1-2 months, and there is no fee. The Community Impact Program Specialist will be available every step of the way to guide you through the process. 

Before having a placement of a child, each foster parent is required to attend a 6-hour training. Thereafter, foster parents are required to complete additional foundation training. After the first two years, foster parents are required to attend 10 hours of ongoing training. Their foster care license is reviewed for re-licensing every two years. 

When approved, a family is considered available to care for foster children. The request of the foster parents as well as the individual needs of the child will determine when a placement occurs in your home.

3. What is my role as a Foster Parent?

As a foster parent, you are part of a team made up of the Foster Parent Specialist, the child’s DCFS caseworker, the child’s birth family and sometimes other support services. It is the goal of this team to return the child to their family whenever possible.

Of course, it is also your responsibility to provide the child a safe home, adequate meals, clothing and a warm, nurturing family environment that recognizes the child’s individual needs and ethnic/cultural heritage.

4. How can I afford to become a Foster Parent?

Foster parents receive a monthly payment to feed, clothe and meet the material needs of the children in placement. Rates may vary according to the type of care provided.

5. Do I have a say in which children are placed with me?

Yes, if you like. This is usually discussed at the time of licensing. You can specify that you would prefer to take children of a certain age or gender. You can also say no to a placement.

6. How long will a child stay with me?

That will vary from child to child, depending on the circumstances causing placement and the plan for reunification of the family. Emergency care can be as short as 24 hours, while long-term placements can last for years. Most placements are short-term.