Foster Care Facts Foster homes are temporary placements

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Foster Care Facts Foster homes are temporary placements for children 0 -18 yrs. old,

Foster Care Facts Foster homes are temporary placements for children 0 -18 yrs. old, who cannot be safely or adequately cared for in their own homes. Abuse, neglect, and abandonment are the most common reasons why children are placed in foster homes. The amount of time a child stays in foster care can vary from as little as a few days to a number of years.

Foster Care Facts On a typical day, in Wisconsin, approximately 8, 000 children are

Foster Care Facts On a typical day, in Wisconsin, approximately 8, 000 children are living with foster families. More than 5, 100 families are currently licensed foster care providers in the state of Wisconsin. On average, 7, 000 new children, in the state of Wisconsin, will be placed in a foster home

Foster Care Facts • As of May, 2017 there were approximately 350 Racine County

Foster Care Facts • As of May, 2017 there were approximately 350 Racine County children placed in out of home care. • 225 children placed in foster homes in Racine County. • Approximately 125 children are placed in care outside of Racine County. • Today there are 65 foster homes in Racine County with the number of children and families being served already almost at 100% increase from 2014: – In 2014 the daily average for children in out of home care was 176 – In May 2017 the daily average for children in out of home care was 290

Racine County Foster Care Program • Recruits foster parents • Licenses Foster Homes •

Racine County Foster Care Program • Recruits foster parents • Licenses Foster Homes • Trains & Supports foster parents • Re – licenses every 2 years • Amends foster home licenses as needed. . • Coordinates placement of children in the home. • Assists with respite care providers as needed. • Addresses foster home concerns & licensing violations. • Ensures all foster homes always meet Wisconsin Administrative codes.

Types of Foster Care Regular Foster Care/ Level 2 “Regular” foster homes are for

Types of Foster Care Regular Foster Care/ Level 2 “Regular” foster homes are for children who require placement outside of their family due to abuse or neglect. The primary reason for placement in regular foster care is the need for care and protection. Regular foster parents receive a monthly reimbursement designed to cover the costs of food, clothing, housing, basic transportation, personal care and other expenses. Regular Foster Parents are required to complete 36 hours of initial training and 10 hours of on-going training per year. A primary goal of foster care is reunification with a biological parent, however, foster parents are eligible to apply for adoption if the child in foster care becomes available for adoption.

Types of Foster Care Treatment Foster Care/ Level 3 TFC is a unique model

Types of Foster Care Treatment Foster Care/ Level 3 TFC is a unique model of care that provides children with a combination of the best elements of regular foster care and “treatment” counseling services. TFC is the next level of care provided to children in a home environment who may otherwise be placed in an institutional setting. Children are placed in treatment foster care to address their serious levels of emotional and behavioral problems. Therapy occurs in the home regularly. TFC homes may have non-treatment foster placements in their homes. TFC parents are required to complete additional training and they receive an additional rate for the care of treatment children placed in their home. The monthly reimbursement rate is designed to cover the cost of the child’s food, clothing, housing, transportation, personal and other expenses.

Foster Parent Qualifications • Must be a Responsible, mature & healthy adult, 21 or

Foster Parent Qualifications • Must be a Responsible, mature & healthy adult, 21 or older, who is capable of meeting the needs of children in care. • Possess a valid driver’s license and an insured vehicle. • Has no felony convictions and/or criminal history of maltreatment verified by a background check. • Has a high degree of flexibility, adaptability and understanding of the temporary nature of foster care. • A willingness to work with the caseworker and the biological parents in achieving a foster child’s permanency goal of reunification or adoption.

Foster Parent Basic Qualifications • Must have bedroom space available for a foster placement

Foster Parent Basic Qualifications • Must have bedroom space available for a foster placement & home or renter’s insurance. • Experience with children & ability to devote time & attention to a child with many needs. • Resides in a home that is adequately furnished & in good repair, passing a home safety check. • Has adequate income for support of own family (cannot rely on foster care payments to meet monthly expenses).

More FOSTER PARENTS Needed The Greatest Needs are for: § Foster Parents who can

More FOSTER PARENTS Needed The Greatest Needs are for: § Foster Parents who can care for a pair or group of siblings. §Foster Parents that can care for children with special needs/disabilities §Teen Foster Homes

Why Foster Parent? Foster Parents give a child a safe and loving place to

Why Foster Parent? Foster Parents give a child a safe and loving place to stay while the child’s parents are unable to provide for them. These children come from a wide variety of backgrounds and situations. They are children of all ages and races who need someone.

Foster Home Licensing ü Background Checks ü Health Checks ü Home Safety Check ü

Foster Home Licensing ü Background Checks ü Health Checks ü Home Safety Check ü Family Assessment ü References ü Foster Parent Training ü Proof of Insurance ü Fingerprinting ü Pet Shot Records

Foster Home Licensing The Inquiry Call • The Foster Care Program receives, on an

Foster Home Licensing The Inquiry Call • The Foster Care Program receives, on an average, about 15 inquiries to the program a month. • The initial inquiry call allows the potential applicant to ask questions about the program and the eligibility requirements. • Basic contact information is taken & an information/application packet is then mailed to their home.

Foster Home Licensing The Application Packet • Literature on foster care • Information on

Foster Home Licensing The Application Packet • Literature on foster care • Information on preparing the home and the family for foster parenting • Information on the training requirements • An application to the program and an agreement to provide the necessary documentation required • Official forms to disclose any criminal background on all household members 10 and over

Foster Home Licensing The Home Visits §Workers will license your home though a series

Foster Home Licensing The Home Visits §Workers will license your home though a series of detailed interviews obtaining criminal background, law violations and other background information during the licensing process. §The Licensing Worker makes at least two home visits to meet with the family, inspect the home and collect the necessary paperwork. §The Administrative Code DCF 56, foster parent handbook, available resources, and other policies and procedures are discussed. §The applicants are asked to sign forms that, as foster parents, they will report changes to their household, not use corporal punishment and agree to confidentiality and other foster care rules. §The applicants are asked to fill out SAFE Questionnaire 1 & 2, which will be used to complete a Multi-Purpose Home Study.

Foster Home Licensing Multi-Purpose Home Study • The SAFE (Structured Analysis Family Evaluation) is

Foster Home Licensing Multi-Purpose Home Study • The SAFE (Structured Analysis Family Evaluation) is a nationwide recognized tool to assess potential foster parents. • All the information gathered during the licensing process is used to determine eligibility for the program and the likelihood of success as foster parents. • Applicants may be denied a foster care license.

Foster Parent Training • Each adult in the home must complete an initial 36

Foster Parent Training • Each adult in the home must complete an initial 36 hrs. of Pre-placement & Foundations Training before licensing, with the exception of adult children or an adult relative living in the home. • After licensing, regular foster parents must take 10 hours of on-going training each year during the two year licensing period, for a total of 20 hours. • Treatment foster parents must complete an additional 18 hours of on-going training each year, for a total of 36 hours in the licensing period.

Foster Parent Training Foundations Training 1. Expectations of Foster Parents 2. Partners in Permanency

Foster Parent Training Foundations Training 1. Expectations of Foster Parents 2. Partners in Permanency 3. Cultural Dynamics 4. Maintaining Family Connections 5. Dynamics of Abuse and Neglect 6. Impact of Trauma 7. Attachment 8. Separation and Placement 9. Guidance and Positive Discipline 10. Effects of Fostering 11. Discussion Panel

Uniform Foster Care Rate §The Uniform Foster Care Rate is a standard scale of

Uniform Foster Care Rate §The Uniform Foster Care Rate is a standard scale of payments to foster parents for the cost of caring for a foster child. The rate is paid monthly and depends on the age of the child. §An assessment tool is completed to determine a child’s level of need. An additional supplemental or exceptional rate may be added as determined by the assessment. Age of child Reimbursement Rate 0 -4 $384. 00 5 -11 12 -14 15 -18 $420. 00 $478. 00 $499. 00

Uniform Foster Care Rate § When a child is placed into foster care, an

Uniform Foster Care Rate § When a child is placed into foster care, an initial clothing allowance is provided. § The foster parent is reimbursed for clothing purchased up to the approved amounts according to the age of the child. Age Group 0 -4 5 -11 12 -14 Clothing Allowance Up to $225. 00 Up to $263. 00 Up to $300. 00 15 -18 Up to $300. 00

The Foster Parent Role • Provide a safe and loving environment for foster children

The Foster Parent Role • Provide a safe and loving environment for foster children • Participate in the child’s educational needs • Arrange for medical and dental exams of the child • Willingly work with the Case Managers and the biological parents • Provide transportation to court hearings, appointments, school and other activities

Everyday foster parents graciously open their hearts, homes and lives to children in need.

Everyday foster parents graciously open their hearts, homes and lives to children in need. They deserve the admiration and gratitude of the community as it can be the most demanding form of volunteerism there is.

How Can I Help Foster Children and Families? • Become a foster parent or

How Can I Help Foster Children and Families? • Become a foster parent or respite care provider. • Donate gift cards , school supplies, or enrichment funds for foster families or assist with foster parent appreciation events. • Help recruit more foster parents in the community by inviting the foster care recruiter to speak at your church or community organization. • Distribute posters and flyers to area business. • Sponsor radio, commercial or newspaper ads for Foster Care.

We Hope You Consider Becoming Involved in the Racine County Foster Care Program You

We Hope You Consider Becoming Involved in the Racine County Foster Care Program You Can Make a Lifetime of Difference! Contact Racine County Foster Care Staff: 262 -638 -6356 or email at Foster. Care@racinecounty. com Debbie Mc. Grain, Foster Care Coordinator Dan Chiappetta, Licensing & Recruitment Supervisor Rebecca Watkins, Training & Treatment Supervisor