Become a Foster Parent

For more information, please fill out inquire form. To apply to be a foster parent, please complete the application form.

Racine County Foster Care assess all applicants and provide the opportunity for prospective foster parents to assess themselves before they accept the role of foster parent.

You can call 262-638-6595 to obtain information and discuss your questions with a foster care 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, training and process 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 include a criminal background check, personal references, proof of physical health and insurances.

The process takes from 2-3 months. Racine County Foster Care staff will be available every step of the way to guide and support you through the process.

Prior to a home having a placement of a child, each foster parent is required to complete 36 hours of initial training and 10 hours of on-going training per year. Foster Care licenses are reviewed for re-licensing every 2 years.

When approved, a family is then 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.

Watch here to see what advice current foster parents have for people thinking about fostering:

Interested in Becoming a Foster Parent?

If you are interested in learning more about how you can become a foster parent or how you can help, attend an upcoming Information Session by contacting Jessica Moreno.

Information Sessions are held once a month at 5:30pm at 1717 Taylor Ave. Contact Jessica for specific dates.

You must register for this event. You will be required to provide your name and contact information. Only those who register may join the event. Information Sessions will only be held if there are folks registered. To register, please call Jessica Moreno, 262-638-6595 or email at Jessica.Moreno@racinecounty.com.

Foster Parents Requirements

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.

All foster parents are given a Level of Care certification during the foster care licensing process based on meeting the following:

Qualifications
Training
Foster parent references
Foster parent experience

Racine County Foster Care licenses 3 Levels of Care. Each Level of Care certification has a specific number of training hours, personal references, and experience requirements. Training is necessary to prepare foster parents and help them to continue to develop as a foster parent.

Level 1: With relatives of children needing out-of-home care.
Level 2: Basic foster care for kids with minimal physical, behavioral and emotional issues.
Level 3: Treatment foster care for children with serious levels of emotional and behavioral problems.

To become a foster parent, you must meet all the following:

Be 21 years of age or older
Be a responsible adult
Complete a criminal background check including:
- review of law violations
- other background information as required
Your home must meet all physical environment requirements

Foster parents are required to complete mandatory training at initial licensing and when renewing their license every 2 years:

Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
Pre-Placement: 6 Hours	Pre-Placement: 6 Hours	Pre-Placement: 36 Hours
Initial Licensing: Not Required	Initial Licensing: 30 Hours (to be completed during the initial licensing period)	Initial Licensing: 24 Hours
Ongoing Training: Not Required	Ongoing Training: 10 Hours each year of licensure beyond the initial licensing period	Ongoing Training: 18 hours each year of licensure beyond the initial licensing period

Complete foster home licensing requirements are listed in Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter DCF 56.

Foster Parent myths worth debunking.

Parenting experience is NOT required. However, you must have the desire to help kids with trauma histories.
A large or expensive home is NOT required. Your home must be clean, uncluttered, and safe.
There is NOT an income requirement. You must be able to pay your household bills each month consistently. (without relying on the foster parent stipend)
Homeownership is NOT required. Apartments and rentals are great too.
No, you do not have to be married. Foster parents can be married, single, and in unmarried relationships.
No, you do not have to stay at home to be a foster parent. Many foster parents work outside of the home. Foster parents should discuss with their licensing agency what options may be available to assist with childcare costs.

SEE FAQ's Section for more information about foster parent expectations and requirements.

Racine County, WI

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