Seal of Dane County County of Dane
Translate
Dane County Department of Human Services

Become a Foster Parent

Most children in Dane County’s foster care system need a nurturing home until they can safely reunite with their family or a relative. Foster parents provide temporary care for children who are unable to stay with their birth families due to circumstances such as abuse or neglect, medical conditions, disabilities, or challenges their parents may be currently facing.  A child may stay in foster care until it is safe for them to return home, be placed with a relative, or achieve another permanent living arrangement such as guardianship or adoption.

 

If you...

  • have a desire to nurture a child who needs a safe place to live
  • feel called to care for children or youth who have lived through difficult experiences
  • think it is the right time to open your home to children

...consider becoming a foster parent and make a lifetime of difference.


Types of Foster Care

All Dane County Foster parents are licensed in the same manner but there are different specialties available:

  • Emergency Foster Homes
    Provide emergency placement until a long-term option is located. May last up to 30 days, but foster parents have the option to continue placement longer term.
  • Longer-Term Foster Homes
    Provide care for children and youth for at least 6 months, and work with birth parents towards reunification.
  • Concurrent Foster Homes
    Provide care for children and work with the Department and birth parents toward reunification, but will consider adoption if the courts decide return home can no longer occur.
  • Sibling Placements
    Provide care for 2 to 3 siblings in order to keep them together.
  • Emergency On-Call Foster Care
    Provide emergency care at night, on weekends, and during holidays for up to 3 children, ages 0-12 years old. Must be able to provide at least a week of care and assist with transportation needs. On-call homes are given a stipend in addition to a pro-rated foster care rate. An additional payment is provided if keeping siblings together.
  • Independent Living Skills
    Foster parents who specialize in working with teens, and can assist youth in goal setting; in addition to concrete skills such as seeking employment, cooking, and money management. Assist youth in successfully transitioning to adulthood, helping them engage in further education or vocational training.

 

General Requirements for becoming a Foster Parent

  • Individuals or families interested in becoming foster parents have to fulfill certain basic requirements. They have to go through the process of screening, training, and licensing.
  • The person should be 21 years or older, and all adult members of a household must be licensed unless an exception is granted. The foster parent should be mentally and physically fit to look after the child under his/her care.
  • The foster child must be provided with his own bed. Boys and girls may not share a bedroom if they are age six or older. At least a bed and space for personal storage should be available for every foster child.
  • The foster parent must have the necessary resources and ability to meet the requirements of his/her own family, and his/her home must meet certain safety standards.

Foster Parent Licensing Process

The following steps outline the process for becoming a licensed foster parent in Dane County.

  1. Schedule a Zoom information meeting.  Call Erin Salzwedel at 608-334-4417 or email  danecountyfostercareinfo@danecounty.gov
  2. Complete a foster care application packet
  3. Undergo a prescreening process to determine eligibility, which includes background checks such as criminal history, references, FBI clearance, and screenings through the sex offender and child abuse/neglect registries. 
  4. Complete Wisconsin Pre-placement Training for Foster Parents
  5. Meet with a licensing consultant to complete a foster family assessment
  6. Within the first 2-year licensing period, complete 30 hours of Foundation Training

 

 

Ready to take the next step and apply?

Please call 608-334-4417 to speak with Erin Salzwedel, or email danecountyfostercareinfo@danecounty.gov. Visit the FAQ page to have more of your questions answered.

Thank you for your willingness to open your heart and home.  Your desire to become a foster parent brings hope to children in need and touches everyone who cares for their well-being.