Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare

Media Requests and Requests for Records

Media Requests

Please address all media requests for information to dcfmedia@wisconsin.gov or phone (608) 266-9000. Please be aware that CPS records are highly confidential under Chapter 48 Wisconsin Children's Code.

Other Record Requests

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families administers programs to assist Wisconsin's children and families, including W-2, child support, child care licensing, child care assistance, adoption search and assistance. DCF also administers child welfare programs, including the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare.

All persons may obtain information and access to DCF's public records, or obtain a copy of those records. Certain information and records are not subject to disclosure. Continuing requests are not honored. Wisconsin Statutes Sections 19.31 - 19.39 govern open records.

Requesting Records

You may request records orally, electronically, or in writing. Make your request by mail to Gail Zellner, DCF Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare, 1555 N. River Center Drive, Suite 220, Milwaukee, WI 53212. By email to gail.zellner@wisconsin.gov. By phone to (414) 220-7000. You may also make your request in person at the same address. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please read Receiving Records below for information about processing time.

Receiving Records

DCF gives open records requests high priority and provides requested records as soon as practicable and without delay. A reasonable time for response to any specific record requests depends on the nature of the request, the staff and other resources available to process the request, the extent of the request, and whether confidential material contained in the records must be redacted.

Fees

• Location Costs. Where the cost of locating a record exceeds $50.00, the actual, necessary and direct cost of locating the record will be charged. (§. 19.35(3)(c))
• Redacting Costs. DCF charges the actual cost of staff time spent redacting confidential information from otherwise public records.
• Copying Costs. DCF charges $0.25 per page for each photocopy.
• Shipping Costs. DCF charges the actual cost of shipping records to the requestor.
• Estimated Costs. When the total estimated cost for locating, redacting, photocopying and shipping exceeds $50.00, DCF may require pre-payment.

If you have questions about obtaining records, please contact Stacy Engl at stacy.engl@wisconsin.gov or phone (414) 220-7065.