Thank You For Putting Families First in 2023!

In 2023, we in the Division of Safety and Permanence (DSP) have had so many opportunities to hear from you all about the work you’re doing to move toward our shared vision of thriving children and families. We’ve heard about the innovation you’re bringing to your efforts to serve more children in-home; the relationships you’re building with community partners; and the important, honest conversations about to address disparity locally.

Thank you for this important work you do; we’re excited to continue partnering with and learning from you all in the new year. One of DSP’s opportunities to do this in 2023 was at this past fall’s Conference on Child Welfare and the Courts. At the conference, we asked folks—including child welfare professionals, legal partners and others—to answer the prompt: “Putting Families First means . . . .” 

We heard everything from centering family voice to keeping children with those they know and love, and this inspired us in DSP and the Department of Children and Families to think deeply about all of the ways we can meaningfully Put Families First. See below for some of the responses.

Have a happy and safe holiday and new year, and we’ll see you in 2024!

“Putting Families First means involving families in decision-making – ‘nothing about me without me.’” – Jessica and Bobbi, Barron County

“Putting Families First means keeping kids with those they know and love.” – Tracy, Langlade County

- “Putting Families First means keeping families together with creative plans and resources to promote growth and security.” – Emily and Nickole, Walworth County

“Putting Families First means providing families with adequate, real services.” – John and Megan, Kenosha County

“Putting Families First means keeping families together.” – Heidi, Barron County

“Putting Families First means listening wholeheartedly to our families that we work with.” – Sara (Rock County), Dena (Lafayette County), Bernadette (Milwaukee County), and Jodi (Milwaukee County)

“Putting Families First means allowing families the space and resources to support one another.” – Claire, Milwaukee County