CCR is desperate for new foster parents wishing to help Wisconsin teens. More Teenagers in foster care than ever are at risk of aging out of care with no family or dependable support system. In 2022 we have seen a significant increase in the number of teens referred to CCR. Sadly, it is increasingly challenging to license new foster parents wishing to care for kids over age 12. Although CCR has an exceptional success rate in helping teens in foster care get on a road to healing and success, we don't have enough homes for most of them.
CCR receives nearly 50 referrals each month from counties across Wisconsin. Most of the kids referred to us are teens, and we cannot place almost 90% of them. The lack of teen foster homes is a state-wide crisis that continues to increase. Licensing new foster parents for teens has been a struggle for many years, but the numbers are getting increasingly dismal. Less than 15% of folks contacting CCR are interested in fostering older youth. The stigma remains. The rumors are still out there. Sadly, only a tiny fraction of those licensed want to help teens.
The truth is that most experienced foster parents believe that caring for teens is often more manageable and less stressful than caring for younger children. There are dozens of testimonials here at Community Care Resources of the positive impact one adult can have on an older child. We have single foster parents, married couples, LGBT foster parents, parents in their 30's, and others in their 70's doing fantastic work with teens.
It doesn't matter who you are, where you come from, or what you might feel your limitations are; you may have precisely what a teen needs to succeed. Foster parents discover that they have an array of skills and life experiences worth sharing with a teen. The growth and healing that can happen before your eyes and the lasting impact you can have on a child's life are like no other experience.
CCR foster parents represent the diversity of the state and the diversity of the young people receiving care. There is a variety of race, gender, culture, sexual orientation, and financial status. A diverse pool of available foster families helps us match kids with the people who can best meet their specific needs. To read more about teens needing homes., read our meet our foster kids blog.
Foster parents best suited to fostering teenagers:
The placement process of foster kids is a team effort led by our placement coordinator Brian Sullivan. The team works diligently to create placements that will be successful for both parents and children.
"Fostering a teen is one of the BEST things we have ever done. It was not on our radar, but we took a leap. We are so happy to have two teen sisters in our care! They are thriving, doing well in school, and have made many friends. We thank God every day for sending them to us! Jodi from Calumet County, Wisconsin
Helping a teen prepare for being on their own and stabilized for the next phase in their life is an exciting journey. In place of tying shoes, helping with baths and bedtime, and keeping little ones on task, foster parents teach an older child life skills. It involves structure, supervision, and acceptance. When fostering a teen, the focus is on listening, patience, and consistency. Teaching older children to be independent and preparing them for life on their own can bring numerous rewards and big successes. Any of the following should be expected.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide among kids ages 10-17 increased by over 70% from 2006-2016. During the height of Covid19, teen suicide and mental health concerns rose to an all-time high. In 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics declared a state of emergency concerning children's and adolescents' mental health. The pressures of social media, lack of in-person relationships, and the absence of parents and adults create toxic outcomes for teens. Complicated and severe trauma histories compound mental health disorders of adolescents in foster care. Foster parents provide the essential positive environments these kids need and crave.
To foster teens, you must be honest about your relationship skills and willingness to be helpful. We would love to speak with you about the details of fostering teen girls or boys. Please call or email us anytime, we look forward to helping you explore fostering and providing the answers to foster care questions you have.
