Press Releases

Governor Tony Evers and First Lady Kathy Evers joined Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary-designee Jeff Pertl in recognizing youth with experience in out-of-home care who recently graduated from high school.

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) today released the results of a statewide survey of child care providers showing child care costs in Wisconsin significantly outpace inflation, with families with an infant in center-based care are seeing an average 8 percent increase in monthly tuition prices, while families with an infant in family-based care are seeing an average 13 percent increase.

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) today announced the approval of an administrative rule designed to improve licensing, regulation, and quality of care youth receive in group home settings.

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) honored eight individuals and teams today at the 2026 Secretary’s Putting Families First Awards. The awards were presented during a celebration at the Pyle Center as part of Wisconsin’s proclaimed month-long recognition of Family Strengthening Month.

In response to the Trump Administration’s proposed recission of a previously submitted rule which would designate specific supports for LGBTQ+ youth in out-of-home care, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) is reaffirming its commitment to its vision that all Wisconsin children and youth are safe and loved members of thriving families and communities.

MADISON - The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) honored 10 relative, like-kin, foster and adoptive families today at the Governor’s Outstanding Families Awards. The awards were presented during a celebration at the Pyle Center as part of Wisconsin’s month- long proclaimed Adoption month.

MADISON – Governor Tony Evers presented awards to honor four 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.

MADISON – The13th annual Youth Achievements Ceremony was held yesterday at the Executive Residence to honor an admirable group of Wisconsin students. Governor Tony Evers and First Lady Kathy Evers joined Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary-designee Jeff Pertl in recognizing youth with experience in out-of-home care who recently graduated from high school, completed milestones in post-secondary education, or who attained other educational achievements

MADISON - The Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services (DMCPS) today announced the launch of Intercept, an evidence-based program that provides direct, in-home services to families involved in the child welfare system to support them in achieving timely reunification or permanency options.

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) honored nine individuals and teams today at the 2025 Secretary’s Putting Families First Awards. The awards were presented during a celebration at the Pyle Center as part of Wisconsin’s proclaimed month-long recognition of Family Strengthening Month.

Each day, child welfare professionals' partner with countless families in their communities to help them navigate life’s challenges. From helping families find and build upon their strengths to connecting families with essential services, they play a vital role in supporting thriving families and communities. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families joins the nation in celebrating March as Social Work Month and in recognizing our state’s unsung heroes.

MADISON – Governor Evers has proclaimed January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) is encouraging residents to educate themselves, and their loved ones, on the signs of human trafficking to help combat this crime in Wisconsin.

Governor Tony Evers and Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary-designee Jeff Pertl honored 10 adoptive, guardianship, foster and relative caregiver families today by presenting them with the 2024 Governor’s Outstanding Foster and Adoptive Family Award.

Governor Tony Evers presented awards to honor 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.

Wisconsin’s county and tribal child support agencies play a key role in the support and wellness of over 341,000 children in the state. According to data from the federal Office of Child Support Services, $841 million was invested into the well-being of children in 2023, thanks to Wisconsin’s dedicated child support agencies (CSA).

The12th annual Foster Youth Graduation Celebration was held today at the Executive Residence to honor an inspiring group of Wisconsin students.

MADISON – Governor Tony Evers and Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Emilie Amundson honored nine individuals today at the inaugural 2024 Secretary’s Putting Families First Awards. The awards were presented during a celebration at the State Capitol as part of Wisconsin’s proclaimed month-long recognition of Family Strengthening Month.

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.

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.

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.

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.