Foster care and adoption

General foster care

The need for foster care parents in Milwaukee County is great. As many as 100 children are removed from their homes each month because they are deemed to be unsafe. At any given time, more than 2,000 children are in foster care in Milwaukee County.

Children's Wisconsin, in partnership with the Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services, is responsible for the recruitment, licensing and support of foster and adoptive parents. We also match and place children with foster and adoptive parents.

Children who need foster and adoptive homes come from diverse backgrounds and have a wide range of needs. We are looking for diverse and nurturing foster and adoptive parents to meet those needs.

Role of a foster parent

A foster parent provides temporary care for a child who is in the custody of the Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services. You will provide a temporary family and home for a child until they can be safely reunited with their biological family or reach another form of permanency.

Basic qualifications

Be at least 21 years old
Attend an informational meeting
- Upcoming foster care meetings
- Upcoming treatment and respite foster care meetings
Pass a criminal background, child protective services and caregiver check
Possess sufficient verifiable sources of income
Meet physical home environment requirements and have homeowner's/renter's liability insurance
Have bedroom space for a foster child. A foster child cannot share a bedroom with an adult
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