|
What is foster care? It is temporary care, supervision, and maintenance of a child placed in a home or foster care facility licensed by La Crosse County or a private child welfare agency. Why are children in foster care? Foster care is needed when children cannot remain with biological families for a variety of reasons. These include: physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; neglect; medical or physical disability of the child; delinquency issues or, the biological parents’ emotional or physical needs. Are children in foster care waiting to be adopted? Most children placed in foster care need temporary placements. There is no expectation that foster parents will adopt children placed with them although there are some occasions where children are adopted by their foster parents. Must foster parents be married? No. We license single adults, married couples, and partners living together. I work outside the home. Is that a problem? No. In many instances, we provide funding for childcare when foster parents are employed outside the home. What about expenses such as clothing, food, and shelter for children in foster care? Each foster family receives a monthly stipend determined by the age and special needs of children placed with that family. What else do foster parents receive?
Do I have to own my home to be a foster parent? No. Renters as well as homeowners are encouraged to become foster parents. I don’t have extra rooms in my house. Is this a problem? No. Children in foster care can share a bedroom with your children or with other foster children in your home. Boys and girls may not share a bedroom if they are over the age of six, and each child in foster care must have his or her own bed. Is it a hassle to become a licensed foster parent? Children in foster care are vulnerable and need special care, so we screen all applicants. The length of the licensing process is dependent on each family situation. What about health insurance coverage? Most of our children in foster care are covered under Medical Assistance or receive private medical insurance through their biological parents. How long will a foster child stay in my home? There are a number of options in foster care and each child’s situation is unique. Children can remain in a foster home anywhere from 1 day to up to two years. What about vacation? With prior approval, children in foster care can accompany their foster families on vacation. When a child cannot accompany you, we will work with you to find respite care during vacation or times of need. Must I accept any child that needs placement? No. You can be very specific about the type of foster care you provide and about the age, gender, and needs of children you will accept. You always have a right to say "No" to placement of a child in your home. At what age can I become a foster parent? Foster parents must be at least 21 years of age. Any household member who will act in the role of foster parent shall sign the application.
|
|||||||||||||||
