[wildflwr920]

I have seen so many posts on here from people who are currently in this process, but it feel like I can't even get my foot in the door. I spent 2 hours on the phone yesterday being transferred between the state, the county of Waukesha and the county of Milwaukee basically to end up on the phone with an on-call social worker who spent 45 minutes trying to talk me out of both the foster care and the special needs programs! I couldn't even get registered for one of the state special needs adoption meetings! He basically told me that if we are looking to foster or adopt childern under age 5 to forget it. Do they do that just to try and weed our those who are serious from those who are not, or am I totally missing something here? Any advise you might be able to provide on getting our foot in the door would be greatly appreciated!!

[MilehighDad]

I don't know why they do that, but it happens all the time. It's almost like there is an order that anyone calling in to adopt a younger child is to be chased away despite all agencies having a desperate need for resource families of all kinds.

My advice would be to call during business hours and only tell them you are intested in being a foster or adoptive parent. Don't aswer any more specific questions and just tell them you want to attend an information session for prospective parents. If they ask what kind of child you're interested in, just say "I don't know" until you're actually in training and working with the right people.

I'm really sorry you ran into a wall, please don't give up. I am strongly suspicious that many prospective parents give up because of being treated badly at the onset by the agencies. But, let me assure you that there are many kids in Wisconsin, and every other state in the US, that need your help.

PS - If the advice above doesn't work and you run into it again, I will get on the phone and the internet and track down someone in your local agency that understands they need to be nice to you and have them call you! And I'm in Colorado!!!

[wildflwr920]

Thank you so much for your advice - I sure do appreciate it! I did get a call back number from the caseworker I spoke to so I will try him first. Maybe my calling him back will show that we have a true interest and I am not that easily dismissed!!! I truly feel that this is our calling, so to speak, so I am not ready to give up yet! I will let you know how it goes - and thank you so much for offering to help!

[mnmomma]

Good for you - definitely don't give up as it is so worthwhile. Sometimes I wonder if they start out being really difficult to set the bar low - then we'll always expect to be treated that way!

[just-breathe]

I am in Milwaukee and we received our license on April 1st. I can give you a bit of info from our experience if you like. Just PM me if you want to chat about it.

[mom2fabtwins]

I'm in WI and in a county with a lot less children than Milwaukee Co. I have been doing foster care for 2 years and have had a total of seven children come thru, only one was over 5.

I agree that they tell people this to help weed out those who want a "quick" baby. If you are willing to foster for DCFS instead of an agency you may have a better chance getting younger placements.

There is a state website for fostercare in WI that will give you the contact person for each county. I called and asked for an application...6 weeks later I had my first placement (15 months, 10 Weeks). I'm in a different county, but PM me if you want more info.

Good Luck!

[wildflwr920]

I havn't been on here in quite a while but wanted to post an update! We were able to get in contact with Waukesha County and have completed the 2 pre-placement training classes for Foster Care. We have had the first part of the home study and she comes back on 9/3 for the next part. I believe she will come at least one more time after that for the home inspection. I think all our paperwork is in except for the physicals and they are scheduled in the next couple weeks. The county has been just wonderful and really easy to work with and we are really excited to complete the process and get our first placement! Thanks so much for all your encouragement!!

[MilehighDad]

Thank YOU so much for not giving up. There are many children in the system that need you and your life will be changed in a wonderful way forever. Keep us updated now and then! And thank you to all the locals who offered help, too.

[tpluttig]

Hey Flower,

Good for you for sticking with it. I'm in WI too & just went to the DFCS orientation meeting this week. It's a lot to think about for sure but I think I will fill out the application for the initial home meeting & see how I feel after that.

The caseworker at the meeting seemed very nice & genuinely caring about her job so I was impressed with her attitude.

Too bad you got the run around first time trying. That's surprising.

Anyways, thanks for posting about your journey so far for those of us that may follow. It's very encouraging to hear that you're making progress.

Cheers and good luck!

[ksmarch4]

Im in Wisconsin too. We have been working with a private agency to adopt a special needs child through the state. We have been doing this for almost a year now. It can be a long, drawn-out process, but please do not give up. We haven't. We are very excited and found out that even though we are done with our Homestudy, we have one last home visit to do early next month. Hopefully we will begin hearing something about matches. If you would like any further information or want to talk, just PM me.