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Manitowoc County proclaims May 2026 Foster Care Month; human services highlights recruitment and casework performance
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Summary
County officials proclaimed May 2026 Foster Care Month. Human Services reported 51 licensed foster homes, 16 licensed relative homes and 101 children in out‑of‑home care; staff highlighted a 99.5% monthly contact performance rate and upcoming recruitment events.
The Manitowoc County Board adopted a proclamation recognizing May 2026 as Foster Care Month and urging residents to consider supporting children in out‑of‑home care.
Karen Zahn, foster‑care coordinator for Manitowoc County Human Services, outlined the county’s foster‑care landscape, saying the county currently has 51 licensed foster homes, 16 licensed relative homes and 101 children in out‑of‑home care. She told the board the county is recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families for strong performance in monthly face‑to‑face caseworker contacts (reported at 99.5%), exceeding the federal 95% requirement.
Zahn described recruitment plans including informational events (a May 7 meeting at Jen’s Java and outreach at the downtown farmers market) and neighborhood lawn‑sign outreach. She introduced a current foster parent, Emily Thronson, who spoke about the rewards and challenges of fostering and encouraged continued community support.
The proclamation was read aloud and the board recognized foster‑care staff for recent accomplishments and ongoing recruitment work. County staff said human services will continue outreach and events through the year to recruit and support foster families.
The proclamation names Tyler Martell as Manitowoc County Executive and Matthew Phipps as county board chair in its opening lines; both names appear in the read proclamation text.
