TIME LINE

WISCONSIN FEDERATION OF FOSTER PARENTS ORGANIZATIONS

Mid– 1950s — Foster parent organizations began to appear in Wisconsin

January 1971 — Mary Reistroffer, well–known in the state for her work with foster parents, was instrumental in much of the initial operation of the organization.

• A Steering Committee was formed.

• Simultaneously, the first National Foster Parents Meeting was being set in Chicago

• Mary Reistroffer was elected to serve as Interim Chairperson

April 20, 1971 — The Federation was declared formed and a rough draft of the Constitution and By–Laws would serve as guidelines for operation until the start of the membership year on October 1, 1971.

May 7 – 9, 1971 — Approximately 20 Wisconsinites attended the First National Conference of Foster Parents at the LaSalle Hotel in Chicago.

October 16, 1971 — The First Annual Conference of the Wisconsin Federation of Foster Parent Organizations was held at the Moravian Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Officers elected were: President– Kenneth Brost, Madison; Vice–President– Lee Adams,Eau Claire; Secretary– James Wen, Oregon; and Treasurer– Sophie Henry, Oakfield.

May 5 – 7 — The Second National Conference of Foster Parents was held in Denver and was attended by more than 30 foster parents and 6 social workers.

September 20 – 21, 1972 — Two identical 2nd Annual Foster Family Care Conferences were held: one in Milwaukee and the other in Wausau. Officers elected were: President– Carl Jones, Mazomanie; Vice–President– Robert Rauscher, Schofield; Secretary– Robert Rickaby, Green Bay; and Treasurer– Jean Roszina.