This section describes the different payment situations and what Winnebago County's policy toward it. Click the list below or to the left to see specific information about that topic.
Child Foster Care Rates
The Uniform Foster Care Rate is a standard scale of payments to foster parents for the cost of caring for a foster child. The rate is based on the needs of the child, it may also include extra payments (called supplemental and exceptional payments) in addition to the Basic Rate.
The basic rate is intended to cover food, clothing, housing, basic transportation, personal care and other expenses.
In addition to provision of a Basic Rate, foster children's medical needs are met through the Medical Assistance Program. Medical Assistance will cover the cost of medical care for a foster child, when the parent's insurance carrier does not provide coverage, or the child has no other insurance coverage.
Payment Methods
Foster Parents are reimbursed for the care of foster children at a rate, based on the child's age. The rate of reimbursement is set by the state and is uniform across all counties in Wisconsin.
Payment for care to a Foster Child is made in the month after the care was provided. For example, care provided in June is paid in July. Checks are generally prepared about the 10th of each month by the counties' Finance Department for distribution by mail.
Respite Care For Foster Children
Respite care is offered to all licensed foster homes. One respite day for each month the child is placed in the home is earned by these homes.
The Department will pay for respite care for foster homes receiving a supplemental payment for a child. Foster homes who do not receive a supplemental payment may have respite, but they must pay for the cost of care by the other home from the child's monthly rate. All payments for respite will be handled through the Department's foster home payroll process.
Supplemental Foster Care Rates
If a foster child has emotional, behavioral or medical problems, the foster parent may be eligible to receive an additional monthly payment to cover the costs of caring for the child's special needs. This payment is called a Supplemental Rate.
Within 30 days after a foster child is placed in a foster home, a Foster Care Coordinator will complete a Supplemental assessment to determine if the child qualifies for a supplemental payment. If the child is eligible, for a supplemental payment, the Foster Care Coordinator will complete the Supplemental Payment Request and submit it to the Resource Team Supervisor for approval of the payment.
Using a point scale determined by the state, and all the information regarding the child's emotional, behavioral, and medical problems, the agency determines the level of care the child requires. This level of care establishes the supplemental payment.
The foster parent, Social Worker and Foster Care Coordinator will review the foster child's progress at least every six months. At those reviews, the supplemental rate may be changed if the child's condition is changed. The Social Worker and Foster Care Coordinator should be notified of significant changes in these areas when they occur.
Exceptional Rates
If a child has extraordinary needs, you may receive an additional payment called an Exceptional Rate. This payment may be provided if the foster child's placement in a foster home allows the child to be released from a more restrictive setting or prevents the child's placement in such a setting.
You may receive an exceptional rate if, for example
- The child requires 24-hour care supervised by a doctor or nurse.
- The child has severe behavioral problems.
- The child is diagnosed as having a severe mental illness, severe mental retardation, brain damage or autism.
- The child chronically abuses alcohol or other drugs and requires close supervision.
Many of the children who receive exceptional payments have histories of having been institutionalized or require that level of care to reside in the community. Many of the children who qualify for exceptional rates are referred to the Treatment Foster Home Program.
No monthly payment for the combined basic maintenance, supplemental and exceptional rates may exceed $2000.00.
Treatment Foster Home Program
Treatment foster homes are designed to provide treatment to children who have emotional and behavioral problems. The treatment home provides a safe, nurturing and family environment for the child to change behaviors that have created difficulties for the child and the child’s family. Children placed in treatment foster care require a great deal of care and support, so it is essential that the treatment foster parent have a strong support network, training and regular breaks from care-taking. Like other foster parents, the treatment foster parent will work as an important team member in the child’s treatment. Treatment foster care has additional licensing rules that must be followed by the family and the agency. The Winnebago County Department of Human Services contracts with foster families for treatment home services. Additional training is required for anyone wishing to become a licensed treatment foster parent.