Children & Alternate Care

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 Super Hero    

BE A HERO

AN EVERYDAY HERO

BECOME A FOSTER PARENT

 

 What is Foster Care:

  • Foster care is a system where a minor is placed with a county-certified foster home, when the child cannot live with their family. Children in foster care may live with relatives or with unrelated foster parents approved by the county
  • Foster care is supposed to be temporary
  • The main goal of foster care is reuniting the child with their family
  • Link to: Orientation to Foster Parenting

Levels of Care: Foster Care Licensing

  • Level One: Child specific licensing only. Must be a relative of the child or have prior relationship with the child and/or child’s family
  • Level Two: Basic Foster Care
  • Level Three: Moderate Treatment Foster Care
  • Level Four: Specialized Treatment Foster Care
  • Level Five: Exceptional Treatment Foster Care. Staff employed foster homes
  • https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/publications/pdf/2644.pdf

 Is Foster Care for Me?

  • Do you have a happy, healthy, stable life?
  • Do you enjoy being around children?
  • Do you have enough space in your home for children in need of a home?
  • Can you care for children of all genders, cultures, and religions?
  • Are you willing and able to work with social workers and biological parents for the needs of the children?
  • Can you except that the main goal of foster care is reunification?
  • Link to: Foster Parent Responsibilities, Qualifications, Supports and Rewards

 Becoming a Foster Parent or Relative Care Provider:

    • Eligibility Requirements
      • Be resident of Jefferson County or a Contiguous County
      • Be at least 21 years of age
      • Be physically and mentally able to care for a child
      • Meet and comply with requirements of the State of Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Administrative Code Chapter DCF 56 – Foster Care for Children
      • https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/publications/pdf/0131a.pdf
    • Licensing Process
      • Attend an initial appointment with foster care coordinator to receive foster care information and the foster care application and background check forms
      • Return the application and background check forms
      • Once background checks are completed and approved then complete Wisconsin’s Pre-placement Training for Foster Parents
      • Continue with several meetings with the foster care coordinator to fill out paperwork, discuss training and complete a family history

Contact Information:

Thank you for your interest in fostering.
We hope you can become part of our Jefferson County family!