Frequently Asked Questions

Clothing
Our volunteers, foster parents, and relative caregivers often have questions about how to provide clothes for their children. The Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare has provided these answers to our most common questions. If you have other questions about clothing or about which category you fall into please contact Kids Matter Inc.

How do I get clothes for a foster child placed in my home?
Foster parents receive an initial clothing allowance when the child is first placed in out-of-home care. If the child returns home and re-enters care after four months, the child is again eligible for the initial clothing allowance.

The amount depends on the age of the child.

Age of Child Initial Clothing Allowance

• 0- 4 years old up to $150
• 5- 11 years old up to $175
• 12-18 years old up to $200
  

If the foster child is being moved directly from foster placement to foster placement and is in need of seasonally appropriate clothing or new clothing because of having outgrown or worn out his/her clothing, you may ask the case manager for a voucher from the Lutheran Social Services clothing bank. Your case manager can also give you a voucher to Goodwill and/or the Salvation Army. There are also several clothing banks in the Milwaukee area that you may use. Be sure to tell the case manager which clothing bank or resource is closest and most convenient for you.

How do I receive and spend the initial clothing allowance for my foster child?
Foster parents who receive a one-time clothing payment (the amount is based on age, see above chart) receive this reimbursement through eWiSACWIS, the electronic foster care reimbursement system, as they do their foster care reimbursement. The only limitation on how the money is spent is that it be used for clothing for the identified child. The foster parent must submit receipts for the clothing to the case manager in order to be reimbursed.

How do I get clothes for a child the court placed with me if I am not a licensed foster parent?
If you are not a licensed as a foster parent, and you are caring for a related child who is on a CHIPS (Child in Need of Protective Services) court order, you may ask your case manager for a voucher from the Lutheran Social Services clothing bank. Your case manager can also give you a voucher to Goodwill and/ or the Salvation Army. There are also several clothing banks in the Milwaukee area that you may use. Be sure to tell the case manager which clothing bank or resource is closest and most convenient for you.

How do I know if the child I am raising is on a court order?
If you have reason to believe the child in your care may be under a court order but you are not sure, it is best to contact your local child protective service agency and seek assistance. Court records regarding children are generally confidential. If you are not the parent, legal guardian or legal custodian, you will have difficulty gaining information about the child directly from the court.

What is the Lutheran Social Services (LSS) Clothing Bank?
The LSS Clothing Bank is located on S. 60th Street in West Allis, Wisconsin. It is housed in the Clothing Distribution Center (Corps Care), a big blue building on the west side of the road, and shares a parking lot with Bali Fitness. It provides brand new clothing to children in foster care.You must get a voucher from your case manager and make an appointment.

Appointments can be made between the following hours:
Monday 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Saturday 9:30 am to 12:30 pm

Who qualifies for a voucher from the Lutheran Social Services (LSS) clothing bank?
Children in foster care who are placed with a licensed foster parent and have already received the initial clothing allowance, and children who are placed with relative caregivers can receive a voucher for the LSS clothing bank. Children receive a voucher based on the child's need.

One voucher equals 25 points or $125 worth of clothing. The point value assigned to an article of clothing depends on the article. For example: a coat/ outerwear is valued at 5 points, where a pair of socks is valued at 1 point. Generally, one child will receive one voucher.

Is there any other assistance for clothing?
Clothing assistance is available when the initial clothing payment had been provided in the past, the child has outgrown the clothes, and the LSS clothing bank is not able to provide the articles of clothing that the child needs.

The child's case manager can assist with this process. A check will be made to the store where the clothing is to be purchased. All receipts must be provided to the case manager. Assistance with the purchase of special clothing items, such as prom dresses and sports uniforms, can also be requested through the case manager.

Who should I contact if a child’s clothing did not move with them from the last foster home?
The caregiver should assist the child with gathering his/her belongings prior to a placement change and prepare the items to be moved. The case manager is responsible for moving the child and his/her belongings to the next placement. If there is a problem transferring belongings, contact the case manager.

When I pick up a baby who was detained from the hospital, who should I contact about getting clothing right away?
Children's Service Society of Wisconsin has limited clothing items for newborn babies. If you are a licensed foster parent contact your Licensing Specialist for assistance. This can be coordinated between the caregiver and case manager. The Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare encourages the caregiver to take responsibility for purchasing needed items that can then be reimbursed through either the initial clothing allowance for licensed foster parents, or discretionary service dollars for kinship providers.

How do I get clothes for a child I receive kinship payments for, but who is not on a court order?
If the child you are caring for is not on a court order there are no special clothing allowances. You can get clothes from any Milwaukee area clothing bank. The Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare (BMCW) is not responsible for providing services for children living with relatives who are not placed on a Child in Need of Protection (CHIPS) court order.

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