Foster Care

adult female and young male child sitting at a table and coloring a pictureBecome a Foster Parent in Calumet County

Foster parents play a critical role for children placed out of the home. The foster parents’ primary task is to provide care for the child until the child’s permanence goal is achieved. There are approximately 7,000 children in the Wisconsin foster care system between the ages of 0 and 21. Many children placed out of the home are adolescents, sibling groups, or have special needs. Many have experienced some form of trauma. 

Foster parents can make a difference in a child’s life. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact the Foster Care Coordinator or the Family Services Supervisor at (920) 849-1400.

Cha Lee
Foster Care Coordinator
Email

Tina Weinke
Family Services Supervisor
Email

  1. Foster Parents Role
  2. Levels of Care and Training
  3. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  4. Additional Resources
  • Meet the agency’s requirements
  • Meet the foster home licensing standards defined in DCF 56
  • Have ongoing communication with the case worker and the Court with important information about the child
  • Advocate for the child
  • Be part of the child’s team
  • Provide a safe home environment
  • Make sure the child’s basic needs are met

Basic Requirements Include:

  • must be 21 years of age older
  • successful completion of a background check on all household member over age 12, fingerprints are required for foster parents
  • meeting State and local requirements for safety, space and care of children
  • have the skills, attitude and commitment to manage the many behaviors and feelings of children and youth
  • the use of non-physical discipline methods to develop appropriate behaviors
  • an ability to work cooperatively with the birth parents and Agency staff
  • an understanding and acceptance of the temporary nature of foster care and an ability to help a child transition back to their home or move on to a permanent or adoptive home
  • having an income sufficient to care for you and your family (financial assistance is provided for the needs of the foster children)
  • submission of four favorable non-relative references and one favorable relative reference
  • completion of medical exams for all household members
  • completion of trainings within timeframes