Join the First Placement Project! The First Placement Project is an upcoming statewide effort to explore child welfare practices aimed at increasing initial placement with relatives and like-kin when children enter out-of-home care. Rooted in Wisconsin’s ongoing policy shifts, this project is open to all local child welfare agencies interested in participating to further align practice with what we know truly matters: relationships, belonging and family. What will the First Placement Project involve? Choosing a practice to implement for 12 months (January–December 2026). Participating in a statewide cohort for peer support and learning. Collaborating with the Division of Safety and Permanence (DSP) to evaluate selected practices. DSP will share ideas around different strategies that local agencies can choose from and adapt—or agencies can create their own strategy! With preparation starting this fall and a full year of implementation in 2026, the First Placement Project is an opportunity for local agencies to take the next step in their practice of prioritizing relatives and like-kin at initial placement to keep children within the community of people they’re already connected to. Interested in learning more? Join us for an informational session on August 14, which will include an overview of practices agencies may want to consider for the project. No registration required—all are welcome! Session details: Date and time: August 14 @ 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. Link to join: https://dcfwi.zoom.us/j/83992362659?pwd=RWfG8pqwPIZ5LQTLPTiXeTbbucyuaf.1. Ready to join us? Contact DSP project lead Kayla DuBois by August 29, 2025 if your agency is interested in joining the project!
