Levels of Foster Care

Trauma-Informed Caregiving for Every Level of Need

Every day, Wellpoint Care Network teams with licensed Foster Parents and kin or kin-like caregivers to provide safe and loving homes in Wisconsin. While most are located in Milwaukee and its surrounding counties, we also support caregivers across the state, ensuring that children can stay close to their local schools, churches and communities.

Safe Homes for Children in Need

Most children in Foster Care have experienced some form of trauma in their lives. They may sometimes struggle as they adjust to a new environment, but with consistent, Trauma Informed Care from a trusted adult like you, they can eventually flourish.

We need caregivers from a variety of backgrounds to support the diverse range of children who come into our care. Whatever your race, class, marital status or annual income, your unique life experiences may be the perfect fit for a child in need of love.

Additional Support for Those Who Need It Most

Children who have been exposed to significant trauma often need additional support ― called Treatment Foster Care ― to address their specific needs and behaviors. These children may also have advanced medical needs, mental health diagnoses or cognitive delays or disorders that require training and supportive services that go beyond General Foster Care.

The Levels of Foster Care

At Wellpoint Care Network, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to heal from their trauma and thrive. With a consistent focus on support, stability and love, you can help children’s lives improve greatly, no matter their level of need.

Children who need out-of-home care often have a close relative or family friend who can care for them. Licenses in these instances are issued only for the specific children involved; these caregivers cannot foster anyone but the children named in the license.

To become a child-specific foster parent, you must meet one of the following criteria:

Be a relative of the child, OR
Have a prior relationship with the child or the child’s family.

There are no prior experience requirements or references required for Level 1 certification.

Note: Wellpoint Care does not issue Level 1 licenses.

Most children enter Foster Care at this level. Though they have experienced trauma and adversity in their lives, they do not require some of the more complex treatments of children at higher levels.

Applicants are required to provide three favorable references from non-related individuals.

In order to become licensed as a Level 2 Caregiver, prospective foster parents must:

Attend a new-family information session.
Pass a criminal background and caregiver check.
Be at least 21 years old.
Have no prior history of involvement with a child welfare agency due to an upheld accusation of child abuse and/or neglect.
Possess sufficient verifiable sources of income.
Meet certain safety requirements for the home and have homeowner’s or renter’s liability insurance.
Have bedroom space for a foster child that meets licensing standards.
Have vehicle liability insurance and a valid driver’s license if transporting a foster child.
Participate in professional training based on certification level.
Be willing and able to work with the child’s biological family.

We license Level 2 homes in Milwaukee County and surrounding counties in Southeastern Wisconsin.

Level 3 Foster Parents have additional requirements asked of them, including having more experience and more training in order to care for high needs children. They also receive more frequent visits from a Treatment Foster Care Specialist, who helps provide support and assistance with effective interventions.

Level 3 certification is considered moderate treatment foster care, which is foster care that can provide additional supervision and care to children with higher needs than those in basic foster care.

Level 3 applicants must submit three favorable references from non-related individuals and one favorable reference from a relative, preferably an adult child.

Level 3 foster parents are also required to meet at least three of the following requirements:

A minimum of one year of experience as a foster parent or kinship care provider (with a child placed in the home for at least one year).
A minimum of five years of experience working with or parenting children.
A minimum of 500 hours of experience as a respite care provider.
A high school diploma or the equivalent.
A college, vocational or technical advanced degree in an area related to a child’s treatment needs such as nursing, medicine, social work, or psychology.
A previously existing relationship with the child through professional or personal experience.
Work or personal experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, ability and motivation to meet the needs of a child in treatment foster care.

We license Level 3 homes across the state of Wisconsin.

Level 4 Foster Parents specialize in one particular area of treatment and acquire additional training to meet and keep their Level 4 status.

Level 4 is considered specialized treatment foster care, which is structured to meet the higher needs of children and often addresses specific population needs, such as teen parents or youth with sexually aggressive behaviors.

Level 4 applicants must submit three favorable references from non-related individuals and one favorable reference from a relative, preferably an adult child.

Level 4 foster parents are also required to meet at least four of the following requirements:

A minimum of one year of experience with children who have a Level of Need of 3 as a foster parent or kinship care provider.
A minimum of five years of experience working with or parenting children.
A minimum of 500 hours of experience as a respite care provider.
A high school diploma or equivalent.
A college, vocational, or technical advanced degree in an area related to a child’s treatment needs, such as nursing, medicine, social work, or psychology.
A previously existing relationship with the child through professional or personal experience.
Work or personal experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, ability, and motivation to meet the needs of a child in treatment foster care.

We license Level 4 homes across the state of Wisconsin.

Level 5 Foster Homes are often referred to as “shift-staffed homes” because the children placed in those homes have higher needs than any other Level of Certification and require 24/7 care from waking staff members.

A Level 5 Foster Home should only be considered as the last community placement option when all other options have been determined to be unavailable or not in the best interest of the child.

Level 5 Foster Parents are asked to act as a parental figure to the child by providing nurturing and supportive care as well as ensuring that all emotional, behavioral and medical needs are met. In addition, a Level 5 Foster Parent is asked to manage and supervise the staff that are hired to assist with care.

Level 5 licensing is more intensive than any other Level of Care and requires additional resources from the Level 5 Foster Parent.

To be considered for Level 5 care, all conditions below are applicable:

Child has behaviors or conditions requiring high supervision.
Child requires 24-hour awake care by staff.
Child would benefit from a home-like environment.
Child would benefit from fewer children than a group home or residential care center.
The child is expected to need long term care, OR
The child has needs agreed to by the department.
All other community placement options have been investigated and determined unavailable or not in the best interest of the child.

We license Level 5 homes across the state of Wisconsin.

Ready to Learn More?

The need for foster parents is great – the rewards are greater. Ready for the next steps? Attend an upcoming Information Session online or in person, or sign up below to receive more information.

The Basics of Fostering | The Levels of Foster Care | Foster Requirements | Foster FAQs