The Emotional Journey of Relative Caregiving
Becoming a relative caregiver can happen in an instant. The shift from being a grandparent, aunt or uncle, cousin, brother, or sister to being a child’s primary caregiver and parent […]
Support for Families and Caregivers Across Wisconsin
We provide resources, training, and support for families, youth, and professionals with past or present involvement in foster care, adoption, reunification, kinship, and guardianship. Whether you’re a relative caregiver, adoptive parent, foster parent, birth parent, or member of a reunified family, you don’t have to navigate it alone. The Wisconsin Family Connections Center is here to connect you to trusted resources, training, and support.
Find Support for Your Journey
Relative/Kinship Caregivers
Caring for a child who is a relative or family friend? Find resources, support groups, and guidance tailored to kinship caregivers.
Adoptive Families
Access post-adoption support, training, and resources to help your family thrive at every stage.
Foster Families & Those Considering Foster Care
Learn about foster care, find licensing contacts, and access training and support services.
Birth Parents & Birth Families
If you are considering adoption or navigating your role as a birth parent, we offer information, support, and guidance.
Reunified Families
Find resources to strengthen and stabilize your family for children returning from foster care or out-of-home placements.
How We Support Families
Information and Referrals
Speak with a specialist who can help you find the right resources, services, and support for your situation.
Training & Support Groups
Join workshops, webinars, and support groups to build skills, connect with others, and feel supported.
Resource Library
Browse guides, tools, and articles on parenting, mental health, adoption, and more.
Case Management Services (GIFTS)
Short-term personalized support for adoptive, guardianship, and reunified families in Wisconsin.
Resources for Caregivers & Families
Recognizing Trauma Triggers
Have you ever parented a child who would have an extremely over-the-top response to the littlest thing? Whose response was so disproportionate to the activity that you had to ask […]
Supporting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma
Unlock the secrets to supporting children through trauma with our comprehensive tip sheet. Learn how to understand and respond to challenging behaviors, create safe and healing environments, and employ effective […]
Under the Microscope: Dealing With Maltreatment Allegations
If you’re a foster parent, adoptive parent, or relative caregiver, navigating the complexities of child welfare can be challenging. This article offers invaluable insights and practical tips to help you […]
Foster Parents and Social Workers: Allies and Advocates for Youth in Care
Discover how foster parents and social workers can work together to ensure the best outcomes for youth in care. This tip sheet includes practical tips and insights to help you […]
Helping Kids in Care Change Schools
Download PDF Whenever possible, case workers and social workers seek to keep children in their current schools. However, there are times when circumstances make changing schools unavoidable. Foster parents face […]
