Open Your Heart, Open Your Home
“We are foster parents because we want to make a difference in the life of a child. Kids come to our home to heal and grow. Becoming foster parents was one of the best decisions we ever made” – Foster Parent, Waukesha County
“When my mom wasn’t able to take care of me I went into a foster home. My foster parents gave me attention, caring and love – just like my mom. I’m still friends with my foster parents today” – Foster Child, Waukesha County.
Curious about becoming a foster parent? Just want to know more about foster care? The best way to start is to learn more in our Foster Parent Information Sessions--held virtually. You'll get to meet some of our staff and have an opportunity to ask questions.
Foster Parent Information Sessions--held virtually
- A great way to get more information about the foster care system
- Open to the community (not just prospective foster parents)
- Attending does not indicate a decision to apply, there are no expectations, no pressure.
- It is the first step in the application process
- It does fulfill the orientation requirement for licensing
- A 1-hour presentation with time for questions
Our Foster Care Information Sessions are open to Waukesha County residents interested in learning more about foster care in our community. Also required for any new foster parents. The Information Sessions are held virtually using Microsoft Teams.
Please click here to view upcoming dates and to register for a Foster Care Information Session.
Ongoing Groups
Caregiver Connection:
A group for relative caregivers of children and youth on a full time basis. The group will provide education, support and networking for relative caregivers residing in Waukesha County. Follow the link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/waukesha-county-52187854553
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Peer Support:
A group specifically for grandparents raising their grandchildren on a full-time basis. The group provides education, support and networking for grandparents who reside in Waukesha County. Email Linda Senger for upcoming offerings.
What is Foster Care?
Foster care provides children with a temporary home and family when their parents are unable to meet their needs and keep them safe. There are many reasons a child may be removed from his/her biological home. It could be due to physical, emotional or sexual abuse or due to neglect. Foster care provides these children with a stable, safe and nurturing environment while their parents work on improving their situations.
Foster care is designed to be a temporary solution to meet the children's needs until they can return home safely. A child may remain in foster care for a few days or many months. Whenever possible, children are returned to their birth parents. Foster parents are encouraged to work towards reuniting the child with his/her parents.
Before a child is placed in a particular home, the foster parent receives background information about the child, including any medical, physical and behavior problems that exist, as well as any mental health issues. Based on the information provided, the foster parent can make an informed decision as to whether they think a particular child would be a good match for their family.
Basic Qualifications for Foster Parents
- Be 21 years of age or older
- Pass a criminal background, child protective services and caregiver check
- Possess sufficient verifiable sources of income
- Meet physical home environment requirements and have homeowner's/renter's liability insurance
- Have bedroom space for a foster child. A foster child cannot share a bedroom with an adult
- Participate in professional training provided during the licensing process. In addition, ongoing training each year is required
- Be willing and able to work with and respect the child's biological family
- Have love and patience to share
- Be invested in the future of our community's children
Type of Foster Homes
- Level 1: With relatives of children needing out-of-home care
- Level 2: Basic foster care for kids with minimal physical, behavioral and emotional issues
To find out more, see frequently asked questions, or contact a Foster Care Coordinator
