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Potential
foster parents need to participate in several interviews
in the prospective foster parent’s home. The purpose of
these interviews is to see if the home, as well as the
prospective parent, satisfies the State’s requirements to
meet the needs of the children available for placement.
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A physical
examination is required. The prospective foster parents
and all household members must provide a written statement
from their doctor on the forms provided by the Agency
stating that they are free from disease that is harmful to
children and that they are physically and emotionally able
to care for children under the age of eighteen.
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Prospective foster parents and any child over the age of
12 that resides in the home must agree to undergo a
criminal background check. The applicant and any children
over the age of twelve residing in their home cannot
possess any criminal charges that may impact on the foster
homes ability for caring for children in a safe and
appropriate manner.
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Prospective foster parents must furnish proof of their
automobile liability insurance as well as their
homeowner’s and/or renter’s insurance.
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A
prospective foster parent must have sufficient income to
meet their own expenses. While the agency reimburses the
foster parents for the child’s basic needs, foster parents
should not think of this as a way to make an extra
income. Foster parents are reimbursed for the child’s
room and board, and some clothing.
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A foster
home license is issued for not more than two years at a
time. During the first two years of licensure, Dodge
County will issue a license annually. After two years,
Dodge County may issue the foster care license for two
year intervals if the agency does not have any concerns
about the foster home. There is no charge for a foster
home license.
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All foster
parents are required to attend 30 hours of pre-service
training within the first year of licensure. One parent
may receive an extension of an additional year if needed.
Foster parents are then required to complete a minimum of
eight hours of ongoing training beginning with the second
year of licensure.
