Thousands of children in Wisconsin enter foster care each year, and each one deserves a safe place to land. At any given time, nearly 6,000 children across the state need temporary, safe, and supportive homes. Foster care provides stability during challenging times, and foster parents play a vital role in helping children feel safe, supported, and connected. Dane County welcomes caring individuals and families who want to make a meaningful difference. Learn more about becoming a foster parent today.
Your generosity helps support children and families involved in foster care and kinship care in Dane County. Donations assist with essential needs, meaningful experiences, and added supports that help children feel safe, valued, and connected during times of transition. Every contribution — big or small — makes a difference. Your support directly contributes to the well-being of children in our community.
We appreciate your support. Donations may be made in the following ways:
Venmo:@DaneCountyOutofHomeCare (last 4 numbers 2204)
Check: Payable to Dane County Human Services OHC and delivered or mailed to:
Dane County Human Services
Attn: Out-of-Home Care Unit
1202 Northport Dr
Madison, WI 53704
Children and youth in Dane County foster care are members of our community. They enter care for many different reasons, often related to safety concerns within their family. Some may have experienced abuse or neglect, while others are impacted by challenges such as domestic violence, substance use, mental health concerns, or a lack of stable support systems.
These children often maintain strong connections to their families and communities, even when they are unable to live at home. Foster care provides a temporary, supportive environment while families work toward stability and permanency.
Are you a relative or close family friend of a child or teen who needs care? Learn more about how you can help through our Kinship Care Program here.
55% Male
44% Female
63% Victims of child abuse or neglect
11% Juvenile Justice
55% Youth of color
44% Age 12 and older
At any given time, 40–50 teenagers in Dane County need a safe and supportive foster home. Teens often enter care during a critical time in their lives, and when family-based foster homes are not available, they may be placed in short-term or more restrictive settings such as group homes or shelters.
Research shows that teens who live in foster homes experience greater stability and stronger long-term outcomes than those placed in more restrictive environments. Foster parents can play a powerful role by providing guidance, consistency, and encouragement as teens navigate school, relationships, and plans for the future.
By fostering a teen, you can help them build life skills, access educational and employment opportunities, and prepare for adulthood. Ongoing connections with caring adults — especially after youth transition out of care—are linked to lower rates of homelessness and incarceration.
Opening your home to even one teen can have a lasting impact, not only on their future, but on generations to come. Get started today.
When children enter foster care, one of the most important sources of comfort they have is each other. Siblings often share deep bonds, shared experiences, and a sense of familiarity during an otherwise uncertain time. Whenever possible, Dane County works to keep siblings placed together in the same foster home.
Foster parents who are open to caring for sibling groups help preserve these vital connections and reduce additional trauma for children. Keeping siblings together supports emotional well-being, strengthens stability, and helps children adjust more successfully while in care.
Families who foster sibling groups receive guidance, training, and ongoing support to help meet the needs of multiple children. If you have space in your home and heart for brothers and sisters to remain together, you can make a meaningful difference in their lives. Get started today.
