Access Response Time Launches Statewide!

July 3, 2026

On June 20, 2026, changes to Access response time decision-making rolled out statewide after a successful pilot project that started in November 2024. The Division of Safety and Permanence is grateful for the partnership with the 11 CPS agencies who participated in the pilot and shaped this project’s success!

The changes affect the process for deciding how quickly CPS must respond to a screened-in CPS report. After a report is screened-in, Access professionals now use a concise list of factors to determine whether to respond within 24 hours or within 5 business days.

A primary goal is to make this decision point clearer and easier for staff with Access responsibilities, including after-hours staff. Additional aims are to increase statewide consistency in response time assignments and support opportunities for more planful engagement with families. 

As a bonus outcome, several pilot agencies shared that Initial Assessment professionals have also benefitted from the changes. Staff report that it’s easier to plan their schedules and they’re experiencing less overwhelm. 

Information for the workforce (including dates for monthly drop-in support sessions through the rest of this year) is available on the Wisconsin Child Welfare Professional Development System website.

General information on the changes is covered in this pre-launch video and this document.