Child Welfare Facility Licensing

For Group Home, Residential Care Center For Children and Youth, Shelter Care, & Child Placing Agency

The Department of Children and Families (DCF), is responsible for licensing and monitoring child welfare agencies, to include Child Placing Agencies and Residential Care Centers for Children and Youth. In addition, DCF licenses Group Homes and Shelter Care Facilities serving children and youth throughout the state. DCF ensures that licensing requirements are met through ongoing inspection of licensed agencies.

Group Homes

Facilities operating to provide 24-hour care for 5-8 children or youth.
Licensed by DCF under Wisconsin Administrative Code DCF 57.

Residential Care Centers

Child welfare agencies that provide residential care and treatment for children, youth and young adults.
Licensed by DCF under Wisconsin Administrative Code DCF 52.

Shelter Care Facilities

Facilities that provide short-term, non-secure residential care of children pending court action, children placed under a voluntary placement agreement, and/or children in need of respite services.
Licensed by DCF under Wisconsin Administrative Code DCF 59.

Child Placing Agencies

Child welfare agencies licensed to place children in foster and adoptive homes, as well as group homes, when applicable.
Licensed by DCF under Wisconsin Administrative Code DCF 54.
Child placing agencies may license their own foster homes under Wisconsin Administrative Code DCF 56.

Filing a Complaint

A complaint about a child welfare facility may be made to DCFCWLR@wisconsin.gov. Complainant should try to provide as much detail regarding the complaint as possible. Once a complaint is received, the complaint will be assigned to a Licensing Specialist who will investigate the complaint.

Licensed Provider Directory

A list of Child Placing Agencies is linked below. You may request a list of group homes, residential care centers, or shelter care facilities by emailing DCFCWLR@wisconsin.gov.