Putting Families First Communication Toolbox

Wisconsin is shifting the child welfare system to keep more children and families connected. This transformation will impact all child welfare system partners and stakeholders, as well as the general public. You can help us effectively communicate about this positive change by using and sharing the below resources.

Background Information

Family First 1-Page Overview - a general overview of Family First.
Family First Informational Graphic - an infographic for Family First; this can be used to begin meetings, post in break rooms as reminders, and shared in various communications.
Transforming Wisconsin's Child Welfare System - an overview of the research supporting the Putting Families First transformation.
"Putting Families First: Wisconsin's Child Welfare System Transformation" (video) - a short video overview of the vision and priorities of the Putting Families First transformation.
Case Flow: Access - Wisconsin's child welfare system is divided into three stages; this infographic details how a case moves through the access stage of the system.
Case Flow: Initial Assessment - Wisconsin's child welfare system is divided into three stages; this infographic details how a case moves through the initial assessment stage of the system.

Resources for Stakeholders

"Putting Families First: Wisconsin's Child Welfare System Transformation" (video) - a short video overview of the vision and priorities of the Putting Families First transformation.
Judicial and Legal Stakeholders: Supporting In-Home Planning - a document detailing how legal partners can support in-home planning.
Putting Families First Playbook - an online resource for agency directors and managers as they think about how to build, grow and leverage local partnerships in support of Putting Families First and keeping families together.
Impact of Like-Kin Legislation on Child Welfare Practice - a document detailing 2023 Wisconsin Act 119 (like-kin legislation), its impact on families and the workforce and next steps. Updated November 2024.
DCF 56 Licensing Standards Updates - a document offering some additional information about the current work to revise the foster care licensing code, including anticipated changes and next steps.
Relative and Like-Kin Standards within DCF 56 Licensing Administrative Rule - a document detailing the intentions of creating separate licensing standards for relative and like-kin caregivers, as well as a high-level overview of the difference between licensing standards for these caregivers and non-relative caregivers.

Lived Experience Resources

Please sign up for the Putting Families First Newsletter to stay updated about Lived Experience efforts.

Many resources exist that encourage and educate on ways to engage those with Lived Experience. The following resources show ways to elevate voices within your county or agency.

Learning Maps

Learning maps utilized in the Root training sessions are available for use at your agency. The first map shows possibilities of the current structure of the child welfare system. The second map shows the future state of the child welfare system. Questions about these maps can be sent to the Family First inbox.

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