DCF 56.21(3)(a) (a) Be at least 18 years of age and at least 5 years older than any foster child being cared for by the respite provider, except if the respite care provider is a relative of the child, be at least 3 years older than the child.

DCF 56.21(3)(b) (b) Have direct care experience or training in working with children with conditions similar to those of the foster child for whom the respite care provider will be caring.

DCF 56.21(3)(c) (c) Be physically able to provide the care needed.

DCF 56.21(3)(d) (d) Be flexible and willing to work varied, atypical hours.

DCF 56.21(3)(e) (e) Be able to reliably get to and from respite care assignments.

DCF 56.21(3)(f) (f) Have the ability to do all of the following:

DCF 56.21(3)(f)1. 1. Accept responsibility.

DCF 56.21(3)(f)2. 2. Work independently.

DCF 56.21(3)(f)3. 3. Exercise good judgment.

DCF 56.21(3)(f)4. 4. Maintain confidentiality.

DCF 56.21(3)(f)5. 5. Manage the varied medical, behavioral, and other care needs of the foster children for whom the respite care provider will be caring.

DCF 56.21(3)(g) (g) Reside in a home that meets the physical, safety, and environmental needs of the foster child for whom care is to be provided if the respite care is to be provided in the respite care provider’s residence.

DCF 56.21(3)(h) (h) Authorize the licensing or supervising agency to conduct a criminal records check as described in s. DCF 56.05 (1) (f).

DCF 56.21(3)(i) (i) Agree to provide quality, reliable, and temporary care for the child in foster care that is consistent with the child’s treatment, case, or service plan.

DCF 56.21(3)(j) (j) Obtain from the foster parent appropriate information about the specific care procedures and interaction strategies relevant for the child’s care.

DCF 56.21(3)(k) (k) Agree to perform household and emergency tasks directly related to the general health and well-being of the foster child.

DCF 56.21(3)(L) (L) Possess a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance if transporting a foster child.

DCF 56.21(3)(m) (m) Agree to abide by s. DCF 56.09 (1g), (2) (d) and (e), and (5).

DCF 56.21(3)(n) (n) May not be an employee of the licensing agency or a relative of an employee of the licensing agency if the employee works in the area of the agency that issues foster care licenses.

DCF 56.21(4) (4) Eligibility for subsidized respite care.

DCF 56.21(4)(a) (a) Level 1 or 2. A licensing agency may establish policies and procedures to fund respite care for a foster parent who operates a foster home with a Level 1 or 2 certification.

DCF 56.21(4)(b) (b) Level 3 or 4.

DCF 56.21(4)(b)1. 1. A licensing agency shall fund and arrange for a foster parent who operates a foster home with a Level 3 or 4 certification to have 8 to 24 consecutive hours of respite care per month of care provided. Respite care shall be provided in a combination of days to be determined by the foster parent and the licensing agency. The licensing agency may require that any respite care include an overnight stay.

DCF 56.21(4)(b)2. 2. Notwithstanding subd. 1., a licensing agency is not required to fund and arrange respite care of a child with a level of need below 3 who is placed in a foster home with a Level 3 or 4 certification.

DCF 56.21 History History: EmR1050: emerg. cr., eff. 1-1-11; CR 10-148: cr. Register August 2011 No. 668, eff. 9-1-11; CR 21-107: am. (3) (b) Register June 2022 No. 798, eff. 7-1-22.

DCF 56.22 DCF 56.22 Assessment of needs and strengths.

DCF 56.22(1) (1) Responsibility for assessment.

DCF 56.22(1)(a) (a) A placing agency shall use a standardized assessment tool prescribed by the department to assess the needs and strengths of a child placed or to be placed into a foster home and the needs of the child’s foster parent. A placing agency may subcontract this responsibility.

DCF 56.22 Note Note: The assessment tool is available in the forms section of the department’s website at http://dcf.wisconsin.gov.