File a Child Welfare Appeal, Complaint or Grievance Appeals If you have been substantiated for abuse or neglect, and would like to appeal that determination, you may follow the process outlined in your determination letter, or visit our Child Protective Services Appeal Process page. Please note that determination appeals are time sensitive and are not part of the general complaint process. Complaints and Grievances All child welfare agencies in the state of Wisconsin are required to have an established complaint\grievance process for addressing concerns about the child welfare and youth services they provide. Please follow the below instruction to file a complaint or grievance. In Wisconsin, the child welfare system is state-supervised and county run, with the exception of Milwaukee County. Because of this, complaints and grievances must begin with your local child welfare agency. Addressing concerns at the local level ensures that managers are informed and reinforces the agency’s accountability and position of responsibility in the community. You can file a formal complaint with your county child welfare agency by: Calling, emailing, or scheduling an in-person visit with your local agency to have an informal discussion. Requesting and completing your local agency’s formal complaint process. If you have completed the county complaint/grievance process and are unable to resolve your concerns, you may request the Department of Children and Families' Bureau of Regional Operations conduct a review of your case. Please be advised that the bureau's role is to: Act as a neutral party in reviewing the issues of concern you have raised; Conduct a fact-finding review related specifically to the identified issues; and, Assess the facts from the perspective of the agency’s compliance with statutes, standards, and administrative rules. To file a complaint with the state, please email DCFBROCWComplaints@wisconsin.gov or call 608-422-6886.
