The following is a list of links to paperwork and helpful resources to support licensing foster parents.
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Administrative Rules
Access administrative rules related to licensing via these links.
Rule Job Aides
Use these as quick references to the DCF 56 Administrative Rule.
Uniform Assessment System (Licensing Paperwork)
Use this list for the initial and renewal licensing paperwork.
- DSP Numbered Memo Series 2025-25 11/21/2025: Uniform Assessment System for Issuing Foster Home Licenses
- Relative and Like-Kin Foster Care Application
- Nonrelative Foster Care Application
- DCF did not create an application form for nonrelatives. Licensing agencies can create their own application form or modify the relative and like-kin version for nonrelative applicants.
- Background Checks
- This is the same for relative and like-kin and nonrelative licensing
- Required Background Checks by Program Job Aid
- Relative and Like-Kin Licensing Assessment
- Nonrelative Licensing Assessment
- Multipurpose Home Study Assessment:
- Multipurpose Home Assessment Update/Recertification:
- Checklist
- Relative and Like-Kin Foster Home Licensing Checklist
- Non-Relative Child Foster Home Licensing Checklist
- Foster Home Record Checklist – Child Placing Agencies
- Foster Child Record Checklist – Child Placing Agency
- Other Documents
- These templates are suggestions; they are not required. Use your agency forms, if applicable.
- Home Fire Escape Plans: U.S. Fire Administration
- Tornado Safety: American Red Cross
- Disaster Evacuation Plan: Ready.gov Make A Plan
Licensing Decisions
- Exceptions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Foster Care Exception Requests
- Application to DCF Exceptions Panel for Exception to Ch. DCF 56
- Application to DCF Exceptions Panel for Exception to Ch. DCF 56.085 (1) (Total Number of Persons Receiving Care)
- DCF Application Exception Request to DCF 50 (Public Adoption Home Study)
- Relative Caregiver Licensing Decision
- Kinship Care Payment Application
- Denied Foster Home License
- Foster Care License Revocation Letter
- Foster Home Licensure Notification
Foster Care Rate
- Understanding the Uniform Foster Care Rate Brochure
- Uniform Foster Care Rate Setting Policy
Use this resource to describe the additional payments that the Basic and Supplemental Rates do not provide.
Information to Provide Foster Parents
Give this Information to Foster Parents prior to licensure.
- Foster Parent Handbook
- Foster Parent Insurance Program Brochure
- Reasonable and Prudent Parenting Standard Brochure: Promoting Normalcy for Children in Out-of-Home Care
- Understanding the Uniform Foster Care Rate Brochure
- Wisconsin Family Connection Center
Caregiver Training
Use these resources to review caregiver training requirements.
Access caregiver training here:
Placement Resources
Use these resources to support initial placement and promote stability.
- Out-of-Home Placement or Recommended Placement Notification Letter
- Roots and Relationships Graphic
- Confirming Safe Environment (CSE)
- Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS)
- Educational Stability for Children in Out-of-Home Care
- Payment Options in Brief (DCF-P-5907)
- Children’s Long-Term Support Program and Child Welfare Use of Respite Care Information Memo 2022-28i
- Wisconsin Child Welfare Professional Development System (WCWPDS) Placement Forms Resource
Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC)
Use these resources when a child is to be placed across state lines.
- ICPC Background Checks – Relative/Like-Kin Foster Home Study
- Brochure for Caregivers: ICPC Basics for Caregivers
- ICPC Parent/Relative/Like-Kin Unlicensed Home Study
- Foster Home Study and Adoption Home Study Requests: Utilize the Uniform Assessment System
ICPC eWiSACWIS Training
Web-based training modules are available in PDS Online. Follow these steps to access them:
- Log into PDS Online
- Search for the following titles:
- eWiSACWIS Core: ICPC Referral
- eWiSACWIS Core: ICPC Record – WI as Sending State (This course is in development and will be available fall 2026)
- eWiSACWIS Core: ICPC Record – WI as Receiving State (This course is in development and will be available fall 2026)
Supporting Transitions and Permanency
Learn more about permanency outcomes and public adoption requirements.
Licensor Training
Licensing Packets
Create an initial licensing packet by using these links.
Relative and Like-Kin
- Payment Options in Brief (DCF-P-5907)
- Relative and Like-Kin Foster Care Application (DCF-F-5863)
- Kinship Care Payment Application (DCF-F-CFS2023)
- Background Information Disclosure (BID) (DCF-F-2978) – one copy for every household member age 10+
- Agency’s authorization form: Your agency creates this form to make follow-up contact with WI DOJ or other entities to determine if there is a reason under DCF 56.055(4) why the applicant may not hold a foster care license.
- Agency specific instructions for applicants to complete FBI fingerprinting
Nonrelative
- Background Information Disclosure (BID) (DCF-F-2978) – one copy for every household member age 10+
- Agency’s authorization form: Your agency creates this form to make follow-up contact with WI DOJ or other entities to determine if there is a reason under DCF 56.055(4) why the applicant may not hold a foster care license.
- Agency specific instructions for applicants to complete FBI fingerprinting
- SAFE Questionnaire 1 – Use materials from the Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (SAFE) Training
- References Form/Template – Use materials from the Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (SAFE) Training OR Agency’s own reference form
- Evacuation and Disaster Plans – Agency templates or resources from these websites: