Changes to In-Person Services 

To protect the health and safety of our staff and the families we serve, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) has transitioned primarily to virtual services. DCF services that were performed in-person prior to the pandemic are listed below. Any services that were provided online or via email, fax, and phone prior to the pandemic remain the same. 

Should you not see a service listed below, please contact the appropriate program area or call 608-422-7000. 

Child Care Licensing Regional Offices

All child care licensing services can be completed online or via phone, fax, or email. To view these services, please visit our Child Care Regulation Information page

For questions or to request an in-person appointment, please contact your local licensing agency or certification worker

Milwaukee Early Care Administration 

The Milwaukee Early Care Administration (MECA) is only offering virtual services at this time. 

Call Center

Parents who wish to apply for the Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy program and those that already have an authorization(s) can call 1-888-947-6583. Press 1, 1, 2 to speak to an authorization worker. Staff are available:

  • Monday through Wednesday and Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
  • Thursday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Parent Portal

Parents with current authorizations can also use the Parent Portal, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is mobile-friendly. You can use the Parent Portal to:

  • View your child care authorizations
  • Request a new authorization, or make changes to a current one
  • Check the balance on your MyWIChildCare EBT card and track your payments
  • Sign up to receive a text message on your cell phone when you have a new message in the Parent Portal from your worker
  • Track all requests entered in the Parent Portal using the Track My Requests button

For more information about MECA and Wisconsin Shares, please visit our Milwaukee Early Care Administration page

Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services 

To report suspected child abuse or neglect, please call 414-220-SAFE (7233). This line is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

For general inquiries or to request an in-person meeting, please call 414-343-5500 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

For additional contact information, including private partner agency contacts, visit our Division of Milwaukee Protective Services Contacts page

Child Support Agencies

Child support agencies are run by Wisconsin's counties and tribes. You will need to contact your local agency for current service offerings. 

Child Protective Service Agencies

Child protective service agencies are run by Wisconsin's counties and tribes, with the exception of Milwaukee County. You will need to contact your local agency for current service offerings. 

Public Record Requests

Public record requests can be completed virtually through the following options:

In-person delivery of public records is by appointment only. To request an appointment, please call 608-225-4158. 

For more information about the request process, please visit our Access to Public Records page

Service of Legal Documents or Subpoenas

Service of legal documents or subpoenas can be completed virtually through the following options:

  • Email DCFCalLegal@wisconsin.gov. For faster routing, please use "Legal Service" or Subpoena" in the subject line.
  • Fax to 608-422-7161

In-person acceptance of service is by appointment only. To request an appointment, please call 608-225-4158.