How do I become a foster parent in Milwaukee County?

Foster care through Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Community Services is the temporary care of a child who is in the custody of the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare. A foster parent provides a temporary family and home for a child until they can be safely reunited with their biological family or placed in a permanent living situation.

Foster parents must:

• Be at least 21 years old.

• Attend a new family informational meeting.

• Pass a criminal background and caregiver check.

• Have no prior history of involvement with a child welfare agency due to an upheld accusation of child abuse or neglect.

• Possess sufficient verifiable sources of income.

• Meet physical home environment requirements and have homeowner's or renter's liability insurance.
  
  
• Have bedroom space for a foster child. A foster child cannot share a bedroom with an adult.

• Have vehicle liability insurance.

• 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.