Family Works Foster Parents:

• Are licensed treatment foster parents (adhering to Wisconsin State Codes HSF56, Foster Care and HSF 38, Treatment Foster Care)
• Fulfill pre-service and yearly training requirements
• Provide structure, supervision, nurturing and basic needs

Family Works Social Workers:

• Are licensed social workers and over 50% have a master’s degree.
• Have top-notch skills, concern for children, and a commitment to families.
• Contact each child and treatment foster family weekly.
• Collaborate with local schools and other community resources to develop and carry out treatment plans, ensuring a coordinated treatment approach.

Family Works Children:

Although the children who are referred to Family Works come with complex needs, we strive to build upon their resiliency and strengths. They are usually between the ages of 10-16. By the time they leave, they frequently have a good start on overcoming any number of obstacles, including a history of:

• Neglect and/or abuse (physical, verbal and sexual abuse)
• School problems
• Alcohol and other drug abuse
• Delinquent behaviors (stealing, fire setting, being cruel to animals, being sexually inappropriate)
• Mental health issues (including self-mutilation, suicide attempts, depression)

Why does it work?

Treatment foster care works, simply enough, because the kids in placement are living in homes, rather than institutions. The children are living in a community and going to school, recreation and shopping in a community. They get consistency and attention. Each Family Works home has no more than four foster children in a home and frequently, our homes have only one or two kids. FW parents teach children to adapt in every day situations. The team works closely to tailor each child’s growth by establishing a respectful environment, and by seeking solutions to problems. We believe that all children should be raised in families. 

Family Works Provides:

• Cost effectiveness: Treatment foster care costs much less than residential treatment, group homes, or hospitalization.
• Weekly contact to treatment families
• Treatment plans and progress reports
• Availability 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
• A team approach and a team facilitator
• Flexibility: We use a variety of interventions and modify them as needed.
• Individualized program for each child
• Small caseloads for FW social workers