Family Finding Resource Page

Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin has implemented a Family Finding program to connect children in out-of-home care with family supports. Modeled after the Red Cross method of locating family supports for refugees, the Family Finding program was developed by Kevin Campbell, an internationally known youth permanency expert.

CSSW has received a federal grant to pilot the program for three years. The goal is to serve 300 children by locating a minimum of 40 adults who will support them when they leave care.

CSSW has three Family Finding Specialists serving BMCW who utilize internet and other search methods to find the family of a child. Information, such as background checks and willingness to be part of the child’s life, is gathered before contact is established between the relative and child. It is hoped that family members will be open to some type of relationship with the child. These relationships may vary in level of commitment from invitations at holiday time to adoption.

The program design is different in Regions 1 and 2 than it is in Region 3 and out-state. In Region 1 and 2, possible participants are identified, through eWiSACWIS data, then further screened for appropriateness. When a sufficient number of children are identified, they are placed into treatment and control groups randomly assigned to the program. In Region 3 and out-state, children are taken by referral.

The Milwaukee Family Finding Specialists are Melissa Renzi, Lauren Lieb, and Brynne Peterson. Contact them by calling 414-453-1400. Three additional specialists are located in Madison, Eau Claire, and Stevens Point who take referrals from around the state.

Children's Service Society Family Finding brochure and web site.