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Foster care is a
temporary alternative to a child's natural home when that home becomes socially,
emotionally or physically inadequate for the child's needs. Foster children range in age
from infant to 18. All foster children have unique backgrounds, experiences,
personalities, strengths and weaknesses. Some may require extensive care for physical or
emotional handicaps or disabilities. Many foster children have been victims of physical or
sexual abuse, some have suffered neglect and some children and infants require medical
care Questions about foster care:
Q: What are the basic requirements to be a foster parent?
A: You must be 21 years of age or older and a responsible, mature
individual to become a licensed foster parent.
You will be asked to provide truthful information regarding
alcohol and drug abuse and law violations that may hinder your ability to provide a
stable, nurturing environment. Giving false information or withholding information can be
grounds for denial of a license.
Q: What is the process to become a licensed foster parent?
A: You, your family and a social worker will meet several to
discuss foster parenting and yom' background..
Q: Who pays for the care of the children in foster care?
A: Foster parents receive money for the room, board and other
living expenses from the placement agency. There are also supplemental payments for the
care of children with special needs.
Q: How are the child's medical needs paid for?
A: Foster children are covered by Title XIX
(medical assistance)
or the insurance of their parents.
Q: How long do children stay in foster care?
A: This can vary from a few days to many years, however the
average length of stay is nine months.
Q: Must a foster parent accept any child the agency offers?
A: No. Available information about a child is
shared with you before placement so that you and the child's social worker can decide
together whether the child should be placed in your home. On occasional emergency
situations, very little may be known about the child.
Q: Can foster parents adopt a foster child?
A: Most foster children are not available for adoption.
If a child
does become adoptable, the foster family may apply.
Q: What sleeping arrangements should I have for a child?
A: Children over one year old may not share a bedroom with an
adult. Children over six years old may not share a bedroom with a child of the opposite
sex and each foster child must have his or her own bed.
Q: Can I have a job and care for a foster child?
A: A foster parent may work outside of the home if appropriate
arrangements can be made for child care during the absence of the foster
parent(s).
Q: Will I be involved with the child's natural parents?
A:
Usually children will have visits with their parents. Your worker will help schedule the
visits and make travel arrangements.
Q: Can 1 take a foster child on vacation?
A: Yes. lf you are planning on taking a child out of state, prior
approval is needed from the supervising agency.
Q: What kind of support services are available?
A: An agency worker will help you understand your foster child
and find community resources to deal with any problems that arise. Special training
sessions are available and there is a support group of other foster parents in the county.
A 24hr. answering service is provided for emergencies.
Q: Who do I contact for more information?
| A: |
Pam Dooley
Foster Care Coordinator
Ozaukee County Department of Human Services
121 W. Main St.
Port Washington, WI 53074
262-284-8205
262-238-8205 (Metro) |
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