Section 56.12. Foster parent handbook.

  A licensing agency shall provide each licensed or prospective foster parent with a copy of the agency's foster parent handbook prior to or at the time of the issuance of the license to operate a foster home. The foster parent handbook shall include information on the following topics:

(1)  General information, including:

(a) Overview of the child welfare system.

(b) Description of the purpose of foster care.

(c) Overview of the juvenile court system.

(d) Description of the concept of and procedures for permanency planning, permanence goal options, and concurrent permanency planning.

(e) Requirements for foster parents to report child abuse or neglect under s. DCF 56.06 (1) (c) .

(f) A brochure that explains the foster parent insurance program and information regarding how to file a claim under that program.

(g) A brochure that explains the foster care reimbursement and rate structure, including the clothing allowance.

(2)  Agency-specific information, including:

(a) Agency expectations of foster parents in working with children's families and supporting family interaction plans.

(b) Expectations for foster parents in working with the licensing and placing agencies.

(c) Confidentiality requirements.

(d) Description of agency policies and procedures in cases of allegations of child maltreatment against foster parents.

(e) Procedures in the event of emergencies affecting the foster parent or any foster child.

(f) Procedures for filing grievances and appeals and the processes used by the agency in responding to such grievances and appeals.

(g) Procedures for reimbursement for such expenditures as travel costs, clothing for foster children, and school fees.

(3)  Information about caring for children, including:

(a) Attachment.

(b) Child development.

(c) Grief and loss.

(d) Discipline of foster children.

(e) Independent living and the transfer of independent living skills.

(4)  Information about resources for foster families, including:

(a) A description of the support services available through the agency, including the availability of respite care services and how foster parents can access those services.

(b) Contact information for the Wisconsin Foster and Adoptive Parent Association, the National Foster Parent Association, the Wisconsin Foster Care and Adoption Resource Center, and, if available, local foster parent associations or support groups.

CR 00-020 : cr. Register February 2002 No. 554 , eff. 3-1-02; EmR0937 : emerg. r. and recr. eff. 1-1-10; CR 10-021 : r. and recr. Register September 2010 No. 657 , eff. 10-1-10; correction to numbering made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 1. , Stats., Register September 2010 No. 657 ; correction in (1) (e) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7. , Stats., Register August 2011 No. 668 .