Kinship Care in Wisconsin

The eligibility and program requirements for Kinship Care are set forth in Wisconsin Chapter DCF 58 Administrative Code

There are three basic eligibility requirements for Kinship Care:

• the basic needs of the child can be better met with the relative than with the parent
• the placement is in the best interests of the child
• the child currently or might meet the requirements to be in need of protection or services if the child were to remain with his or her parent(s)

Other requirements include:

• a criminal background check on the relative caretaker and all adult household members;
  • Kinship Care Barred Offenses – Caregiver Background Checks provides a list of barred offenses that result in initial denial of the kinship application. All kinship applicants initially denied based on background check results can request a Director Review, which allows the local agency discretion to approve the application or redetermination. 
• cooperation with the agency by the relative caretaker
• the relative caretaker must apply for other public assistance or benefits the child might be eligible for
• the relative caretaker must cooperate with referring the parents to child support, unless the relative caretaker is granted an exemption
• Kinship living arrangements and eligibility must be reviewed every 12 months

If you are interested in more information about Kinship Care for a child you are caring for, contact the Kinship Care Coordinator in your county or tribe . The Kinship Care Coordinator can answer your questions about becoming a Kinship Care Provider and having a child placed in your home.

The amount of Kinship Care funding to be provided for a child is determined by state statute. In 2024 & 2025, the kinship care rate is $375.

Assigned Child Support for the Kinship Care Program explains the kinship child support payment process.

Governor Tony Evers signed 2023 Wisconsin Act 119 into law in March 2024. The adoption of this legislation (often referred to as the "like-kin legislation") means stronger support for kin caregivers and respect for how families self-define.

Changes to statute made by this Act – including an expanded definition of "relative" and the addition of a "like-kin" definition – will be effective as of January 1, 2025.

For more information about the impacts and implementation of this Act, see this resource: Impact of Like-Kin Legislation on Child Welfare Practice.

Here are some links that may be helpful for additional resources:

• Food Share is a program that helps low-income families and individuals buy nutritious food.  For more information, visit FoodShare Wisconsin-A Recipe for Good Health.
• Medical Assistance or Medicaid Coverage may be available for you or the child you are caring for.
• Wisconsin Works (W-2) provides employment preparation services, case management, and cash assistance to eligible families.
• Child Support helps parents get court orders for financial and medical support for their children.
• Learn more about available Child Care resources.
• The Kinship Navigator Portal assists relative caregivers in navigating the Child Welfare system and locating important resources.