Bipartisan Legislation Supports Kinship Caregivers

Kinship caregivers are necessary to the Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) vision of thriving children, families and communities across the state. This is why the momentum behind SB 520 and AB 557 – bipartisan legislation aimed at expanding who a child in out-of-home care can be placed with and who is considered a “kinship care provider” – is so exciting.

Current law narrowly limits who can be considered a “relative” for the purpose of placement of a child. These limitations impact who a child can be placed with as well as the financial support the caregiver receives through the Kinship Care Program. 

The adoption of this new legislation would strengthen the support Wisconsin’s kinship caregivers receive. Here are a few key things to know about this legislation:

• 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 would make a significant difference for families across Wisconsin. It would reduce some financial barriers kinship caregivers face, and children would be able to be placed more easily with those who already know and love them. For more information about the legislation, you can read DCF’s summary. 

SB-520 has passed in the State Senate, and DCF anticipates there will be action taken on AB-557 when the legislative session resumes in the new year.

 To voice your support for this legislation, consider:

• Having conversations with your legislators; you can write a message of support or request a meeting with your legislator.

  • You can find your legislator here: https://legis.wisconsin.gov/. 

• Sharing how this legislation would impact your life or work by emailing FamilyFirst@wisconsin.gov.