Foster Care
Foster Care authority is from the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, Division of Children and Family, Wisconsin Administrative Code Ch. HFS 56 and SS 48 of the Children's Code. The program is supervised by the Juvenile Justice supervisor.

The purpose is to establish licensing requirements for foster homes directed at protecting the health and safety of children placed in the homes, as well as promoting the welfare of these children. Licenses are provided to any applicant who meets the requirements under HFS 56; however, that does not entitle the license holder to placements of children, since placement decisions are based on a variety of factors, including compatibility of the needs of the foster child with that of a particular foster parent. Licensed foster homes are evaluated every two years for license renewal.

The foster care persons licensed to operate a foster home shall be responsible, mature individuals, who are fit and qualified, who do not abuse alcohol or drugs, or have a history of a civil or criminal conviction or administrative rule violation that substantially relates to caring for children or operating a foster home, as described in Ch. HFS 12.

• Submit a request for an application
• Fill out and sign an application on an agency form
• Provide verification of homeowner's or renter's and vehicle liability insurance coverage
• Documentation of good health for all household members
• Favorable references from at least three non- relatives
• Documentation of fire safety inspection of the foster home
• All household members over 12 years old must have a criminal background checks
• Employment history
• Water supply tests for private wells
• Notification of any former foster care licensing or child caregiver services.
  

Foster parents are encouraged and/or mandated to attend some training requirements. Foster parents are reimbursed for care of foster children through a state uniform foster care rating process that is based on the age, emotional, behavioral and physical levels of difficulty-of-care levels.

The Foster Care Coordinator is located in the Human Services Department in the Goverment Center at Balsam Lake. Foster Care services or questions can be handled by calling 715-485-8400 and ask for the Foster Care Coordinator.