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Press Releases

Find recent press releases from the Department of Children and Families.  We want you to know when we are doing something big.

DCF Media Contact Information
Telephone: (608) 422-7800
Email: DCFMedia@wisconsin.gov

Feb 29, 2024
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the administration of the Wisconsin Works program and related services in geographical regions across the state. Consistent with state procurement requirements, DCF is conducting a competitive RFP procurement process for the next round of these contracts.
Feb 01, 2024
MADISON – In an effort to better serve children and families participating in the State’s child support program, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking families with lived experience to join a new Parent Advisory Group (PAG) focused on improving programming and policies for both custodial and non-custodial parents.
Jan 16, 2024
In an effort to serve more children and families in their communities, the Division Milwaukee County Child Protective Services (DMCPS) launched the Milwaukee Family Intervention Services (MFIS) program at the end of 2023. This program offers families with youth, ages 10 to 17, preventive services for a quicker pathway to positive outcomes.
Jan 04, 2024
Human trafficking is happening in Wisconsin, to Wisconsin residents. To help raise awareness of this important issue impacting our communities, Governor Evers has proclaimed January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
Nov 29, 2023
The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) honored six adoptive families today by presenting them with the 2023 Governor’s Outstanding Adoptive Parent Award. The awards were presented during a celebration at the State Capitol as part of Wisconsin’s proclaimed month-long recognition of Adoption Month.
Nov 09, 2023
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is reopening applications for the Child Care Counts Stabilization Payment Program thanks to an additional $170 million in relief funding from Governor Tony Evers. Child care providers who are not currently enrolled in the program are encouraged to apply during the next application period which runs from November 11 – 19, 2023.
Oct 03, 2023
Governor Tony Evers presented awards to honor two individuals for their contributions in assisting survivors of domestic violence in a special ceremony held today at the state Capitol.
Sep 18, 2023
The evidence is clear – there’s a proven return on investment for everyone when we all invest in quality early care and education. That is why the upcoming special session called by Governor Evers is so critical to not only building strong communities but supporting Wisconsin’s greatest resource: our children.
Jul 19, 2023
The 11th annual Foster Youth Graduation Celebration was held today at the Executive Residence to honor a special group of Wisconsin students. Governor Tony Evers and First Lady Kathy Evers joined Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Emilie Amundson in recognizing foster youth who recently graduated from high school, completed milestones in post-secondary education, or who attained other educational achievements.
Jun 28, 2023
The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) today announced the award of another $2.5 million in Dream Up! Grants to nine cross-sector community teams across Wisconsin. These teams will aim to help solve the challenges facing Wisconsin’s child care system and bolster the economy in their communities.
Jun 15, 2023
The Haaland v. Brackeen case arose from three separate child custody proceedings governed by the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), a federal statute that aims to keep Native American children connected to Native American families.
May 25, 2023
Governor Tony Evers, First Lady Kathy Evers, and Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Emilie Amundson honored five outstanding foster families and three youth during the 2023 Governor’s Foster Care Award ceremony on May 25, 2023, in the Assembly Chamber of the State Capitol.
Apr 12, 2023
Employers are now able to apply for the latest cohort of the Partner Up! grants from the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). Over $9 million in funding is available to employers who are interested in offering paid child care as an employee benefit.
Mar 07, 2023
In recognition of Gov. Tony Evers declaring March as Social Work Month in Wisconsin, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) honored the efforts of six human service professionals with the 2023 Caring for Kids award.
Feb 20, 2023
The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) opened applications today for a third cohort of Dream Up! grants. This round of applications will offer $2.5 million in funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the opportunity for nine Wisconsin communities to evaluate, plan, sustain, and expand child care in their area. 
Jan 31, 2023
Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Emilie Amundson today announced new appointments to her leadership team.
Jan 26, 2023
In recognition of Governor Tony Evers proclamation declaring January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) is encouraging residents to continue the fight against human trafficking by raising awareness and reporting tips to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.
Jan 23, 2023
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) issued requests for proposal (RFP) for the statewide and regional components of the Wisconsin Family Connections Center: Resources and Supports for Families with Out-of-Home Care Involvement. Consistent with state procurement requirements, DCF is conducting a competitive RFP procurement process for the selection of contract recipients.
Dec 22, 2022
Wisconsin’s federal partners have approved the state’s Title IV-E Prevention Program Five-Year Plan, which will support the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) in safely serving more children in their homes or with relatives through front-end prevention services and connecting families with much-needed programs and supports.
Nov 29, 2022
The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) honored six special adoptive families today by presenting them with the 2022 Governor’s Outstanding Adoptive Parent Award. The awards were presented during a celebration at the State Capitol as part of Wisconsin’s month-long recognition of Adoption Month.
Oct 11, 2022
The Governor’s Council on Domestic Abuse, in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, honored three individuals for their contributions in assisting survivors of domestic violence in a special ceremony held today at the state Capitol. The ceremony was hosted as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a statewide effort to raise awareness about the effects of domestic abuse.
Sep 22, 2022
The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) today announced the award of $10 million in Partner Up! grants to 88 businesses statewide. The grants, which are part of DCF’s Project Growth grant program, aim to help solve the challenges facing Wisconsin’s child care system and bolster the state’s economy.
Jul 19, 2022
The10th annual Foster Youth Graduation Celebration was held today at the Executive Residence to honor a special group of Wisconsin students. Governor Tony Evers and First Lady Kathy Evers joined Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Emilie Amundson in recognizing former foster youth who recently graduated from high school, completed milestones in post-secondary education, or who attained other educational achievements.
May 31, 2022
The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) today announced the award of over $20 million in Project Growth grants to 28 cross-sector community teams and over 100 businesses to help solve the challenges facing Wisconsin’s child care system and bolster the state’s economy.
May 26, 2022
The Merrill Community Sharing Garden, run by Community Action Inc., (CAI) of Walworth & Rock Counties, was honored with the 24th annual Governor’s Award for Excellence in Community Action during the annual Wisconsin Community Action Program Association (WISCAP) meeting held virtually on May 17, 2022.
May 24, 2022
First Lady Kathy Evers and Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Emilie Amundson honored six outstanding families and two foster youth during the 2022 Governor’s Foster Care Award ceremony on May 24, 2022, in the Assembly Chamber of the State Capitol.
May 05, 2022
Dropping a son or daughter off at a child care center never gets easier for parents, but thanks to the dedication, love and care from child care providers, parents are able to ease their minds as they head to work to support their families. From center directors and staff to family child care providers, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) joins agencies across the nation on May 6 in recognizing these outstanding individuals on National Provider Appreciation Day.
May 03, 2022
Today there are over 6,800 Wisconsin children in out-of-home care, with 87% being in a home setting thanks to the dedication and support of foster parents, relatives, and family friends. To raise awareness and acknowledge the collective efforts of those involved with foster care, Governor Evers has proclaimed May as Foster Care Month.
Apr 06, 2022
Child abuse and neglect are pervasive – yet preventable – issues affecting communities across Wisconsin. To raise awareness and acknowledge the collective efforts of families, caregivers, communities, and agencies preventing child maltreatment, Governor Tony Evers has proclaimed April as Family Strengthening Month. 
Mar 22, 2022
In recognition of Gov. Tony Evers declaring March as Social Work Month in Wisconsin, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) honored the efforts of five human service professionals with the 2022 Caring for Kids award.
Feb 28, 2022
The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) opened applications today for Project Growth, a $20 million grant program designed to help solve the challenges facing Wisconsin’s child care system and bolster the state’s economy.
Feb 10, 2022
The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) announced plans for additional programs aimed at supporting Wisconsin’s early care and education (ECE) industry and the families it serves. The programs, which are funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will run until 2024 and focus on increasing access to high-quality, affordable child care and supporting the ECE workforce.
Jan 06, 2022
Many Wisconsin Shares families will see an increase in their subsidy amount this month thanks to a historic rate increase from 35 to 80 percent of the estimated cost of child care. The increase, which went into effect on January 1, 2022, will impact roughly 98 percent of Wisconsin Shares families, with the average increase around $190 per month.

2021 press releases

Domestic Violence funding to reach over 4,000 individuals statewide

Emergency Funds Available to Domestic Violence Survivors

Monthly Child Care Counts Program, Historic Wisconsin Shares Rate Increase Coming Soon

Opportunities to Support Afghan Resettlement in Wisconsin

Governor’s Council on Domestic Abuse Presents Outstanding Achievement in Domestic Abuse Issues Awards

Wisconsin Concludes Jeanine B. v. Evers and Department of Children and Families Settlement Agreement

Pandemic relief funds available to older foster youth

Additional Child Care Counts Payment Programs Coming Soon

DCF announces Community Innovation Grant recipients

DCF and DPI Award Grants to Support Tribal Language Revitalization

DCF Secretary Emilie Amundson Statement on Evers’ 2021-23 Budget

Wisconsin Shares Rate to Increase for Remainder of 2021 Fiscal Year

Wisconsin and Children’s Rights Take First Step to Conclude Jeanine B. Settlement Agreement

2020 press releases

Stay Safe this Holiday Season by Staying Home

Grant Program to Support Local, Early Care Partnerships Begins Today

Contract for Milwaukee Child Welfare Case Management Services

Wisconsin child support agencies work to support communities on and off the clock

Wisconsin’s Looming Child Care Crisis and its Broad Ranging Impact

Child Care Counts funding reaches 2,712 providers statewide

Collaborative Partnership Delivers Supplies to Child Care Providers

Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Launches New Brand

First Period Child Care Counts Payments Set

The Literacy Lab’s Leading Men Fellowship Awarded Preschool Development Grant Contract

Applications for Child Care Payment Programs Open Today

Foster parents provide stable and loving environments for children across state

COVID-19 Child Care Grant Proposal Submitted for Approval

Watching out for Wisconsin’s children and families

Evers Suspends Additional Rules for Child Care Programs

Evers proposal targets key programs to support families

New Efforts Launched to Connect Essential Workers with Child Care

Department working to connect health care and essential workers with child care

DCF and DHS services in Coggs Building and Milwaukee Child Protective Services Building closed to the public

Preschool Development Grant activities begin

2019 press releases

Governor’s Outstanding Adoptive Parent Awards presented

Governor’s Council on Domestic Abuse Presents Outstanding Achievement in Domestic Abuse Issues Awards

ADVISORY - DMCPS Case Management RFP Listening Sessions

Children and Families Allocation Amounts Announced

Foster Youth honored for academic achievement

Lieutenant Governor, First Lady and DCF Secretary-designee recognize outstanding foster families and foster youth

Wisconsin one of 11 states awarded a Pritzker Children’s Initiative grant

Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month

DCF honors six social workers for outstanding service to families

DCF division and policy leadership announced

DCF Secretary-designee Amundson announces additional leadership team appointments

Milwaukee Early Care Administration Changing Business Hours

Department of Children and Families’ Public Benefit Programs Will Continue During Federal Government Shutdown

DCF Secretary-designee Amundson announces first appointments to leadership team