- What is Foster Care?
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It is temporary care, supervision, and maintenance of a child placed in a home or foster care facility licensed by Dane County or a private child welfare agency.
- Why are Children in Foster Care?
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Foster Care is needed when children cannot remain with biological families for a variety of reasons. These include: physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; neglect; medical or physical disability of the child; or, the biological parents' emotional or physical needs.
- Are Children in Foster Care Waiting to be Adopted?
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Almost all children placed in foster care need temporary placements. There is no expectation that foster parents will adopt children placed with them, though some children are eventually adopted by their foster parents.
- Must Foster Parents Be Married?
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No. We license single adults, married couples, and partners living together.
- I Work outside the Home. Is that a Problem?
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No. In many instances, we provide funding for childcare when foster parents are employed outside the home.
- What about Expenses such as Clothing, Food, and Shelter for Foster Children?
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Each foster family receives a monthly stipend determined by the age and special needs of children placed with that family.
- What else do Foster Parents Receive?
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- Preplacement, initial and ongoing training designed to help you work with foster children;
- Support from foster care consultants;
- The reward of knowing you've helped a child in need.
- Do I Have to Own my Home to Be a Foster Parent?
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Renters as well as homeowners are encouraged to become foster parents.
- I Don't Have Extra Rooms in my House. Is this a Problem?
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No. Most foster children can share a bedroom with your children or with other foster children in your home. Boys and girls may not share a bedroom if they are over the age of six, and each foster child must have his/her own bed.
- Is it a Hassle to Become a Licensed Foster Parent?
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Foster children are vulnerable and need special care, so we screen all applicants. The length of licensing process is dependent on each family situation.
- How Long Will a Foster Child Stay in my Home?
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There are a number of options in Foster Care and each child's situation is unique. Permancy plans are developed for each child in out-of-home care.
- What about Vacation?
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With prior approval, children in foster care can accompany their foster families on vacation. When a foster child cannot accompany you, we will work with you to find respite care during vacation or times of need.
- Must I Accept any Child that Needs Placement?
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No. You can be very specific about the type of foster care you provide and the age, gender, and needs of children you will accept. You always have a right to say No
to a placement.
- At What Age can I Become a Foster Parent?
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Foster Parents must be at least 21 years of age, and all adult members of a household must be licensed (unless an exception is granted.)
- Do You Have More Questions? Would You Like To Apply?
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Please call 608-242-NEED (242-6333) or 608-242-6303 and talk with Human Services staff.