document iconBipartisan Legislation Supports Kinship Caregivers

Bipartisan legislation to keep more children with family and like-kin caregivers has now passed in both houses of the State Legislature. A message from Division of Safety and Permanence Administrator John Elliott on this passage and what it means for Wisconsin's children and families:

"I’m thrilled to share some exciting news: SB 520 and AB 557 – legislation that provides crucial support to Wisconsin’s kinship caregivers – has passed in both houses and is now headed to Governor Evers’s desk to be signed into law.

Previous law narrowly limited who could be considered a “relative” for the purpose of placement of a child. Those narrow limitations impacted who a child could be placed with as well as the financial support the caregiver could receive through the Kinship Care Program. 

The adoption of this new legislation means increased support for kinship caregivers and a respect for how families self-define. A few key points:

  • This legislation expands the definition of “relative” to include “first-cousin-once removed” and expands the definition of “kinship care provider” to include relatives, “like-kin” and, for tribal children, extended family members. 
  • “Like-kin” means an individual who has a significant emotional relationship with a child or the child’s family that is similar to a familial relationship.
    • For an Indian child, “like-kin” includes individuals identified by the child’s tribe according to tribal tradition, custom or resolution, code or law.
  • This expanded definition applies to both voluntary and court-ordered kinship cases.
  • The legislation adds provision to Chapters 48 and 938 to permit a court to order placement with like-kin.

This will have life-changing impacts on families. Children will be able to be placed more easily with those who already know and love them – and who they know and love in return – and those caregivers will receive needed financial support.

You all – Wisconsin’s child welfare professionals and system partners – made this passage possible. You reached out to your legislators, offered your testimonies and shared your personal stories in support of this legislation. Thank you for showing up and making your voices heard.

For more information about the legislation, you can read the Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) summary. 

We know that you all are as excited as we are to start implementing this new legislation. Please note that DCF is exploring the funding and technical assistance that is needed to support implementing the legislation. As outlined under the bill, the legislation will not take effect until the funding mechanisms are in place. DCF will be working diligently on moving these pieces forward and will stay in close communication with you all on these next steps.

This is an exciting step forward in our shared vision of thriving children and families. Thank you for your support!"

November 2024 update: See DCF's new resource for more information about what 2023 Wisconsin Act 119 means for families and the workforce, as well as the expected timeline for implementation.