Caregiver
- Is a relative or fictive kin to the child.
- Fictive kin is defined as a person who had a significant relationship with the child or child’s family before the child’s placement in out of home care, OR
- A person who developed a significant relationship with the child or the child’s family during the child’s placement in out of home care and all the following apply:
- The person is a foster parent who has had a relationship with the child for at least two years;
- The child is 14 years of age or older;
- The child has been placed in out-of-home care for 15 out of the last 22 months; and
- The child welfare agency or court determines that placement with a fit and willing relative is not in the child’s best interest.
- The child and their family should determine who their fictive kin are.
- Note, this was previously referred to as “like-kin,” but the title changed in July 2024 to not conflict with Wisconsin Act 119 Like-kin Legislation that defines like-kin “as an individual who has a significant emotional relationship with a child or the child’s family that is similar to a familial relationship and who is not and has not previously been the child’s licensed foster parent. For an Indian child, “like-kin” includes individuals identified by the child’s tribe according to tribal tradition, custom or resolution, code, or law.”
- Is a licensed foster parent for at least six consecutive months before guardianship is established.
- It is strongly encouraged that you get certified as a Level 2+ because caregivers licensed as a Level 1 are not eligible to have the supplemental and exceptional portion of the rate included in their total subsidized guardianship payment.
- After guardianship is established, you are not required to maintain your foster care license. The child welfare agency may have a specific recommendation of how long the license should be kept open for appeals purposes.
- Has a strong commitment to permanently care for the child long term.