Child Protective Services (CPS) Appeal Process Worker Information The federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) requires that persons have access to due process associated with a substantiated finding of child maltreatment. This website provides information of Wisconsin’s policies and procedures related to this requirement. Appeal Procedures for Substantiated Determinations of Child Abuse or Neglect Effective January 1, 2015, Wisconsin Statutes, Section 48.981(3)(c)5m and 48.981(3)(c)5p, create a new statewide appeal process for determinations of substantiated child maltreatment by a county department or the Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services (DMCPS). Several documents provide guidance on this statutory requirement. Wisconsin DCF Administrative Rule 40: Review of a Determination of Child Abuse or Neglect was developed with an advisory group of representatives from the Wisconsin County Human Services Association. It is based on several federal court findings in response to a class action law suit, Dupuy vs. Samuels in Illinois. DCF Child Welfare Policy Memo 2014-07 (December 19, 2014) outlines specific requirements and changes to the appeal process for substantiated determinations of Child Abuse or Neglect as outlined in the Administrative Rule, Wisconsin DCF 40. This memo supersedes the following memos: DSP 2010-12 and CPS 98-14. Training and Technical Assistance Webinar Power Point: CPS Substantiation Appeals provides an overview of the CPS appeal process and policy changes introduced in the 2014-07 policy memo. Appeals Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) provides answers to common questions about the CPS appeal process. Timelines Maltreater Information Documentation Agency Review Division of Hearings and Appeals (DHA) The Appeals Process Flow Chart is a visual representation of the process. Detailed discussion and requirements of each step in the appeal process is outlined in the Appeals Process Requirements A Worker’s Guide to Substantiation Decision Making and the Appeals Process provides foundation of information and resources to assist workers and supervisors: in making the challenging decisions at the point of Initial Assessment (IA) conclusion to help workers understand what to expect during the review/appeal process to provide support and direction when cases are overturned Legal Legal Issues Regarding Appeals: Notice, Timeliness and Motion Practice Outline provides legal perspective on the CPS appeal process and can be used in consultation with corporation counsel. eWiSACWIS The information below provides assistance in documenting and managing CPS appeals in Electronic Wisconsin’s State Automated Child Welfare Information System (eWiSACWIS): The Notification and Review Process for Substantiated Maltreaters is a document outlines the notification and review process for an alleged maltreater upon supervisory approval of a substantiated Initial Assessment finding. The Documenting a Maltreater Appeal is a document that provides assistance in recording the outcome of an appeal in eWiSACWIS. The following guide describes how to cut and paste text from a previously approved and frozen template, to another piece of work or template in eWiSACWIS. This function is known as ‘Copy from Bookmarks’. Appeal Materials Appeal forms are listed below. All forms are available in English, Spanish, and Hmong. Notice of Initial Determination of Child Abuse and/or Neglect and Right to Request a Review Form (DCF-F-5035) English Hmong Spanish Example Scheduled Review of the Initial Determination of Child Abuse and/or Neglect Form (DCF-F-5036) English Hmong Spanish Example Rescheduled Review of the Initial Determination of Child Abuse and/or Neglect Form (DCF-F-5037) English Hmong Spanish Example Notice of Final Determination of Child Abuse and/or Neglect and Right to Request an Appeal-Review Occurred Form (DCF-F-5038a) English Hmong Spanish Example Notice of Final Determination of Child Abuse and/or Neglect and Right to Request an Appeal-No Response Form (DCF-F-5038b) English Hmong Spanish Example Review and Appeal Processes for Determinations of Child Abuse and Neglect (DCF-P-5095) A brochure for families explaining the appeal process. English Hmong Spanish The DCF Child Protective Services Appeal Process web page is a source of information for families.
