DMR.7.4.030 Foster care of children requires license.

(a) Initial Foster License

(1) The laws of Wisconsin require that every foster family be licensed to show that they have met the standards in the state laws regulating foster care, as well as follow the ICWA guidelines, (Chapters 48 and 938 Stats). Most of these requirements are in the "administrative rule," DCF 56 (appendix G). In addition, each new Foster Parent shall complete six (6) hours of training before becoming licensed. (See the education and training requirements section). Shall complete thirty-six (36) to forty (40) hours of training within the first year of licensure. It is the duty of the foster parent to follow DCF 56 as well as ICWA regulations and we recommend reviewing these documents often.

(2) Indian Child Welfare licenses families for two (2) years, although there are also some licensing requirements that need to be fulfilled every year (training plan, training logs, disaster plan, and evaluations, animal vaccinations up to date, proof of house/car insurance). The foster family license specifies the number, ages, and gender of the children who may be placed for care. When changes occur in the family's living situation, licensing modifications may be necessary as indicated in DCF 56.04.

(b) Documents required before initial licensing are:

(1) Application form completed and signed by all who shall be fostering in the home.

(2) Verification of Homeowners or Rental Insurance.

(3) Verification of Auto Insurance, (minimal liability), which shall remain in force during the time of licensure.

(4) Physical Examination of all Licensed Caregivers, with T.B. Test Results.

(5) Drawing of Foster Home layout with escape plan in case of emergency.

(6) Verification of all animal vaccinations.

(7) Valid Driver's license.

(8) Background Check.

(9) Fingerprints.

(10) Private well water test shall be performed for Bacteria, (required only for private wells).

(11) Documentation of Fire Safety Inspection of the home.

(c) Documents required for Relicensing without a lapse in licensing (lapsed/expired license, need to file initial paperwork again):

(1) Relicensing Application form, signed by all who shall be fostering in the home.

(2) Verification of Homeowners or Renter's Insurance.

(3) Verification of Auto Insurance, (minimal liability), which shall remain in force during the term of licensure.

(4) Physical Exam for all Licensed caregivers.

(5) Drawing of Foster home Layout with escape plan in case of emergency.

(6) Verification of animal vaccinations.

(7) Valid Driver's License.

(8) Completed training hours for the year.

(9) Private well water test for bacteria, (required for Private Wells only).