We have been providing safe, nurturing foster homes for children with emotional, behavioral or developmental challenges since 1984. We now also provide high-quality services for relative families of children needing foster placement, basic foster care for children with minimal physical and emotional issues, as well as adoption licensing and services.
Caring, loving and generous foster parents are at the heart of what we do. And our well-trained, professional social work staff – in partnership with the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare (BMCW) – takes great care to match the needs of a child with the skills and experience of foster parents.
Information for current foster parents
The need
The need for foster parents is great. As many as 100 children from infants to 17 are removed from their homes in Milwaukee County each month because they are not safe. More than 2,000 children are in foster care at any given time. A diverse group of families is needed in Milwaukee County – and beyond – who are willing to open their hearts and homes to children from infants to 18.
Fostering philosophy
We believe that, in most circumstances, the best place for a child is with the biological family, and we embrace the concept of foster-biological co-parenting. We work with foster parents to build and maintain relationships, which support successful reunification, and we strive to place siblings in the same foster home whenever possible.
We also believe that foster care should be a temporary solution for children who cannot live with their biological parents because of abuse, neglect or other safety issues. We do understand that some children may not be able to return home and need a more permanent placement, such as guardianship or adoption. The vast majority of children who are adopted in Milwaukee are adopted by their foster parents, and they always have the right to pursue adopting a child in their home when this option becomes available.
We have developed a continuum of out-of-home care services that includes not only foster homes, but also crisis stabilization and respite care, when caregivers need a break, as well as residential treatment and independent living services to youth aging out of foster care. This continuum allows us to provide seamless transitions to children who require different levels of care at different times and to minimize disruptions.
Hear from some of our kids, families and dedicated employees
We are proud of what we have achieved over the last 25+ years. Listen to and read some of our stories.
Melissa Dombrowski-Boling, foster care services coordinator:
WUWM Radio, Lake Effect
WKKV, 100.7 FM’s Positively People radio show
Ann Leinfelder Grove, Vice President of Strategy and Innovation, on WMYX, The MIX, 99.1 FM; SportsRadio 1250 WSSP, and 103.7 KISS FM.
Denise Pilz, chief program officer, speaks about foster care on radio stations WJMR-Jammin’ 98.3; WJYI-Joy 1340; WKLH, Classic Rock 96.5; WHQG-The Hog 102.9 and WZBK- Big Buck Country, 106.9.
Read Some of Our Stories
- Trauma informed care speeds reunification
- Humor, affection, ties with families help foster mom succeed
- Retirement means becoming a foster dad
- Foster parent finds success working with challenged kids
To learn more about how to become a foster parent and what you will be provided, click here.
