Each May, Foster Care Month invites us to recognize the importance of safe, supportive environments for children and the individuals who help provide them. It’s also a time to build awareness by sharing information and encouraging meaningful conversations.
Whether you’re exploring foster parenting or simply want to better understand the system, these Frequently Asked Questions will provide insight into our Therapeutic Foster Care Program.
What is foster care?
Foster care is temporary care for children provided by licensed foster families when children are unable to live with their parents due to abuse or neglect.
What is foster parenting?
An opportunity to build lifelong connections with children and families. A commitment to providing a safe and nurturing home for children. The ability to share with others your experiences and support systems. Constant learning and self-reflection.
What does it mean to be a therapeutic foster parent?
Therapeutic foster parents generally have experience in working with or parenting children and the willingness and ability to parent foster children who have behavioral, emotional and/or medical challenges. Therapeutic foster parents are not therapists.
Why should I become a foster parent?
Children are resilient, and thrive when they have stability and healthy relationships. We believe that when positive connections are made, anything is possible. You can make a positive impact in the lives of children and their families, giving them hope for the future. You can help mentor other parents to be the kind of parents that their children need. You can make lifelong connections.
How long are children placed in foster homes?
The average amount of time children are placed in foster care is 12-15 months. The most frequent reason for them leaving foster care is to be reunified with their biological family.
How are children placed?
Children are placed in foster care when it is determined by a Child Protective Services social worker that they are unsafe in their current home. This could be due to many reasons including abuse and neglect. The child’s needs are assessed and social workers work together to find the most appropriate foster home to meet the child’s needs.
How often can I expect referrals for a potential placement?
During the foster care licensing process, Norris staff will help foster families identify the ages, genders, and characteristics of children who would be a good fit for their home. Every family is unique. The more specific the preferences are, the longer it may take to identify an appropriate match.
How often will I have contact with Norris foster care staff?
When a foster home is licensed and accepts placement of a child(ren), a Master’s Level social worker is assigned to work with the child and foster family providing 24/7 crisis support, weekly contact and bi-weekly home visits.
Am I going to be pressured into taking a child that I am not comfortable with?
No. The ultimate goal is to provide a safe, stable placement for a child so we do everything we can to gather all known information about a child and his/her family so that foster parents can make an informed decision. We would rather you be honest and share that you don’t think a particular child would be a good match for your family, than be pressured into saying yes and then it not be a stable placement.
Can I foster children from other counties or states?
Norris partners with all 72 counties in the state of Wisconsin. Approximately half of the referrals received come from southeastern Wisconsin counties. Referrals are not accepted from other states.
What is the difference between placement and respite?
When a child is placed in a foster home, the foster parents assume parenting responsibilities and the child lives in the home with the goal of staying in that home until permanency is achieved. Respite care is short term, generally between 2-7 days. The purpose of respite is to provide short term relief and/or support to the primary caregiver of the child.
What are the basic requirements to become a foster parent?
Can be single, married or partnered; aged 18 or older; have enough space in your home; be financially stable; have support from family and/or friends; experience working with or caring for children; participate in background checks, references and training; be committed, flexible and open; have a sense of humor; have energy and time to devote to a child.
What is the cost?
There is no cost to apply to become a foster parent. Foster parents are reimbursed for the care of children when children are placed in their home; the reimbursement amount is based on the child’s age and their needs. Foster parents can also qualify for childcare assistance if they meet the activity requirements for the Wisconsin Shares Program.
Can we go on vacation?
Yes! We encourage foster families to take vacations and to communicate their plans with the child’s treatment team. If there are circumstances that warrant the foster child not going on vacation, foster parents would work with the child’s treatment team to identify respite care.
What if I have a police record?
Just because you have a record does not automatically prohibit you from becoming a licensed foster parent; however, thorough background checks are conducted and all arrests and convictions are reviewed for content and patterns. There are certain convictions that bar a person from becoming a foster parent.
Do children typically already have doctor and dentist relationships?
Some children have an identified pediatrician and others do not. The child’s treatment team will help foster parents coordinate appointments, identify providers if necessary, and discuss medical needs. All foster children are required to have a medical exam within 30 days of placement in a foster home and a dental exam scheduled in accordance with the state of Wisconsin HealthCheck program (generally, every 6 months).
If the children are school aged, what is needed to register them in school?
If a child is not currently enrolled in school, or it is identified that it would be in their best interest to change schools, foster parents will need a placement letter that indicates the child is placed in their home. The county worker or Norris staff would be able to provide this. The foster parent will then be responsible for contacting the school to enroll the child.
If the children are not school aged, is it recommended to talk with childcare providers prior to a child being placed?
Yes, it is best to talk with an identified childcare provider prior to a child’s placement to understand what availability they have. Foster parents qualify for Wisconsin Shares, so there should be no out of pocket cost. Norris staff will be able to help navigate this process.
I work full-time. How much time is recommended to take off once a child is placed in my home?
This depends on the ages of the children (if they are already enrolled in school or childcare vs. needing to be enrolled), and the circumstances that brought them to you. Some foster parents plan to take a couple of days off, while others are able to manage without taking more than ½ a day.
How do visits with the child’s biological family work?
This is something that is discussed when we match children to foster homes. Most of the referrals that Norris receives are non-emergency, meaning there is some time to work out the logistics. Usually, the county worker arranges for transportation although sometimes foster parents have been asked or offer to transport. This is determined on a case by case basis given the needs of the children, location, and case circumstances. Our goal is to have as clear a picture as possible prior to placement regarding what the visitation schedule would look like.
Foster care is built on connections and people showing up in ways big and small to support children and families. This Foster Care Month, we invite you to be part of that impact. Share this information, start conversations, and explore how you can get involved. Whether you open your home, give your time, or simply help spread awareness, every action helps create a stronger, more supportive community.
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