NewsLike-Kin Legislation Effective January 1

Governor Tony Evers signed 2023 Wisconsin Act 119 – bipartisan legislation to keep more children with family and like-kin caregivers – into law on March 14, 2024. The following changes to statute, made by this legislation, will be effective January 1, 2025:

  • An expanded definition of “relative.”
  • The addition of a “like-kin” definition.
  • Expanded eligibility for the kinship care subsidy.

The expanded definition of “relative” will include the addition of “first cousin once-removed.”

The definition of “like-kin” is 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. 

The legislation also includes expanded eligibility for the kinship care subsidy; caregivers in the above categories will be eligible to apply for financial support through the Kinship Care program, Wisconsin Administrative Rule DCF 58.

Watch for technical assistance (available through the bi-monthly Out-of-Home Care Office Hours scheduled by the Bureau of Permanence and Out-of-Home Care) and further opportunities to support implementation. 

For more information on the impact of this legislation on families and child welfare practice, please take a look at this informational resource from the Division of Safety and Permanence. Additional questions can be sent to the Putting Families First team.